MR 145 Overview

Take on 145 miles of pure Mississippi River adventure.

The MR 145 Canoe & Kayak Race, Tour, and Relay sends paddlers from Brainerd to Anoka—a stunning stretch of Minnesota’s north woods and wild river—and gives you 50 hours to reach the finish.

The event starts at 3:00 PM on Friday, June 12, 2026, and welcomes solo paddlers, tandems, teams, relay groups, and recreational tour participants. Bring a canoe, kayak, SUP, or any human-powered craft and follow the river through a series of mandatory checkpoints on your way to the finish at Peninsula Point Park.

Why People Love the MR 145

  • A true endurance challenge—but absolutely finishable with training and determination.

  • A route filled with fast water, mild rapids, wild islands, wildlife, and quiet forested banks.

  • Magical moments you’ll never forget—sunsets, moonlit paddling, early-morning fog, and long daylight hours.

  • Options for every style: race to win, complete the relay, or enjoy the more relaxed recreational tour.

  • No barges, gorgeous scenery, and a course fully mapped by the Minnesota DNR’s Mississippi Water Trail.

Key Info

  • Six portages (about 2 miles total) around dams and the Sauk Rapids.

  • Potential challenges: wind, weather, motorboats, miles of flatwater above dams, rain, heat, bugs, and fatigue.

  • A required support crew (in-person or virtual) to help with resupply.

Registration

2026 Fees (per person; all fees subject to a +2.9% + $1.30 transaction fee):

  • $175 (Relay $130) – through April 15

  • $225 (Relay $180) – April 16–May 21

  • $275 (Relay $230) – May 22–June 10

    Register risk free, as Refunds are available through April 15.

All who register by May 21 receive an official race T-shirt.
All finishers earn a medal; top 3 in each division receive trophies.

Logistics

Post Paddle Party

After your paddle, celebrate at the Post Paddle Party (12–5 PM).
Enjoy exhibitors, free root beer, and the excitement of cheering paddlers across the finish line.

More Info:

There is an excellent article about the MR 145 that was published in the DNR’s magazine, read it here.

The route can be found on Mississippi River maps 5-9 at the following link: DNR maps. There is also a custom Google map which can show you the entire route and important landmarks: MR 145 racemap

Follow our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/TwoPaddlesMN

Watch a recorded Zoom info session about the MR 145 here.