Missouri American Water MR340 Paddlers Race to Support River Preservation

World’s longest canoe/kayak race celebrates its tenth year – July 28 - 31

About 600 paddlers will launch their boats in the Missouri American Water Missouri River 340 (MR340) river race on July 28 in Kansas City. From Kansas City, Ks. to St. Charles, Mo., the racers will paddle 340 miles across the state – celebrating the importance of the longest river in the U.S. to Missouri’s environment and as a source of drinking water to millions of people.

This Smart News Release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20150727005274/en/

600 paddlers compete in the Missouri American Water MR340 this week -- the longest canoe/kayak river race in the U.S. (Photo: Business Wire)

One of National Geographic’s Top 100 American Adventures, the tenth annual river race benefits three environmental stewardship and education organizations: Missouri River Relief, the Healthy Rivers Partnership and the Lewis and Clark Nature Center and Boathouse.

Following is the race schedule.

• The race begins at the Kansas City starting line, Tues., July 28, 2015 – 7:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m. The MR340 begins at Kaw Point Park, at the confluence of the Missouri and Kansas Rivers, at 1 River City Drive in Kansas City, Ks.
• Paddlers reach Jefferson City, Wednesday, July 29. Leaders will likely arrive in the morning, with a steady stream of racers on Wednesday and early Thursday at the Noren Access, just off of Highway 63.
• Paddlers cross finish line in St. Charles. Racers will likely arrive continuously starting late Wednesday night July 29 through Friday night, July 31. The finish line is at the Lewis and Clark Nature Center and Boathouse, 1050 South Riverside Drive, St. Charles, MO. Missouri American Water is funding free admission for visitors to the Boathouse and Nature Center during from Weds July 29 to Friday, July 31.
• Awards presentation. Friday, July 31 at 7:00 p.m., Lewis and Clark Nature Center and Boathouse. Missouri Governor Jay Nixon is scheduled to present the Governor’s Cup to the overall race winner.

Missouri American Water

Missouri American Water, a subsidiary of American Water (NYSE:AWK), is the largest investor-owned water utility in the state, providing high-quality and reliable water and/or wastewater services to approximately 1.5 million people.

Founded in 1886, American Water (NYSE: AWK) is the largest publicly traded U.S. water and wastewater utility company. With headquarters in Voorhees, N.J., the company employs 6,400 dedicated professionals who provide regulated and market-based drinking water, wastewater and other related services to an estimated 15 million people in 47 states and Ontario, Canada. More information can be found at www.amwater.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20150727005274/en/

Missouri American WaterAnn DettmerCommunications ManagerT - 314-996-2356C - [e-mail]