MR340 Learning Opportunities!

Updated: 2/5/2026

There will be several opportunities to learn more about the MR340 from the experts as race day approaches. We'll keep posting those here.

Rho Engine Room is hosting a series of "MR340 Meet Ups" at their Columbia, MO gym. Here's the latest schedule. All are FREE and EVERYONE is welcome! They are designed for informal conversations on a variety of topics related to the MR340. Whether you are a new or returning racer, these are helpful gatherings. It's always nice to have experienced paddlers in the crowd.

These Meet Ups are designed to foster open conversation, and for that reason we do not record or stream these.

If you are interested in hosting your own MR340 Meet Up in your community, check out this document for tips and contact us at racing@riverrelief.org

location:

Rho Engine Room - 10 W Nifong Blvd Suite 115, Columbia, MO 65203

"Recovery & Training After injury"

• Sunday, March 1 at 5:15 p.m.
• Levi Riddle, MR340 Veteran

"Navigating the river & night paddling"

• Sunday, April 5 at 5:15 p.m.
• Carrie Elliott, U.S.G.S. Missouri River Geologist and MR340 Veteran

"Ground Crew: Paddler First Aid"

• Sunday, May 3 at 5:15 p.m.
• Beth Burkhart, Critical Care Flight Paramedic, EMS Instructor and MR340 Veteran

"Women & the MR340 Race" Clinic - Sat. June 27, 2026

St. Louis Canoe & Kayak Club is hosting a special clinic designed for women who have registered for the MR340 in 2026 and have not finished the race before. This is a really special opportunity limited to 16 participants. The clinic is led by a staff of 8 MR340 women veterans who have a depth of race experience and knowledge.

• Date & Time: Saturday, June 27 from 1:30 pm to 10:30 pm.
• Location: Weldon Spring Conservation Area to Blanchette Landing, St. Charles, MO
• Cost: $25
• Purpose: Building a community of female racers with emphasis on fun, confidence, skills, and river knowledge 
• Supported by a grant from River City Outdoors.

It will include -

• On-the-water exit and re-entry experience with experts on hand.
• On-the-ground clinic with story sharing, skill and knowledge sharing and race tips.
• Night-time paddling experience as a group from Weldon Spring Conservation Area Access to Blanchette Landing in St. Charles, covering the final 20 miles of the MR340 race course.

MR340 Workshop - Dec. 6, 2025

This event is past. Our friends at Llama Racks posted Facebook Reels of the session here and here.

Location:

Burr Oak Woods Conservation Nature Center, 1401 NW Park Rd, Blue Springs, MO
Saturday, December 6th - 4:00 pm - 6:30 pm
Available in-person or remote!

• Click here to register for in-person workshop - Limit 100 participants 
• Click here to register for online workshop

Hosted by MR340 veteran racer and safety boater John Rittel, this program will bring together a panel of race veterans to share pointers on preparing for the race. This program is appropriate for MR340 racers, ground crews, and people who are just interested in learning more about the race or what it takes to paddle across the state of Missouri in less than four days.

Our MR340 Veterans panel includes -

• Emily McNeill - 7-time MR340 veteran. Holds 7th fastest time in Women's Tandem. 3rd Place Woman Solo (2018); 1st place Women's Tandem (2020); 1st place Mixed Tandem (2021 & '22) and 1st place Teams (2025).
• John Mathias - 4-time MR340 veteran. 4th Place Men's Solo in 2025.
• Ryan Milby - 6-time MR340 veteran. Owner of Llama Racks and Some Beach Outfitters. Holds record for 6th fastest time in Mixed Tandem and Teams.
• Lauren Rodriquez - 6-time MR340 veteran. 1st Place Solo Woman Rowing in 2025 (with 2nd fastest time). 1st, 2nd and 5th fastest times in Woman's Solo SUP.
• John Rittel - MR340 veteran, safety boat veteran, Mo. Dept. of Conservation Community Education Specialist
• Steve Schnarr - MR340 Race Director