New update on 5/22/26:

We will be accepting food items (non-expired, non-perishable), new and gently used clothing (clean, damage free and in-season) and/or monetary donations for the Anoka County Brotherhood Council Food Shelf.

Please read important update below:

Update 5/13/26:

Text or call the Race Hotline at anytime with questions (also for emergencies during the race)

612.548.1628

We recommend all participants save this number in their phone

Hello MR 145 Participants,

Thanks for signing up for the 5th Annual Mississippi River 145 Canoe, Kayak & SUP Race!

We can’t wait to see you on June 12th at Lum Park in Brainerd. This update includes everything you need to know—please read it carefully.

📋 Quick Checklist

• ✅ Sign the waiver

• Check the roster to confirm and see who else is racing

• 🚣 Note your boat number (it’s on the roster) and purchase stickers (details in the Paddler’s Guide).

• 📘 Read: Paddler’s Guide | Race Rules | Race Overview

• 🗺️ Review: Google Race Map | MN DNR River Maps 5–9 (download and/or request free paper maps at info.dnr@state.mn.us). 

• 🚌 Need a shuttle? Edit your registration in Webscorer to add it (credit card needed for payment).

• 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Add or update your support crew info in your registration (you can edit your registration in Webscorer). All teams must have a support crew—virtual or in-person.

• 📱 Download the Webscorer app for live tracking and read the live-tracking section of the Paddler’s Guide

• 👍 Follow us :Facebook Page and join our community group.

🛎️ Race Check-In

When: Friday, June 12th, 11:00 AM–1:30 PM
Where:Lum Park, Brainerd
Required Safety Meeting: 2:00 PM

🤝 Thanks to Our Sponsors

Special thanks to our Title Sponsor, Great River Energy, and all our amazing partners who make this event possible.

📊 Who’s Racing?

45 participants (as of 5/13) and counting; for latest numbers see the roster:

• 1 recreational tour solo

• 2 recreationl tour tandem boats

• 2 solo women

• 9 solo men

• 10 tandem men’s teams

• 1 tandem women’s team

• 1 mixed tandem teams

• 1 three-person team

Every paddler gets a race shirt, finisher’s get a finisher medal, and every participant gets a free Dorothy’s Root Beer at the finish line! Top three finishers in each division get a trophy.

💧 Water Levels

Currently (as of 5/13/26) about as medium as it gets (per St. Cloud gauge). Water conditions can change quickly—keep checking MN DNR river levels. There is rain in the forecast in the next week.

🙋‍♂️ Volunteer!

We need volunteers Friday night, Saturday, and at the Anoka finish line. Email us: info@twopaddles.org.

🛶 Sunday Races

On June 14, join the:

• 5-Mile Root Beer Float – just $10! (includes shuttle)

• MR 12, 20, and 43 – register before May 21st at midnight to save.

Special Deal for MR 145 racers: Sign up now and you can:

• Switch races anytime before start

• Get refunded if you downgrade or withdraw

📍 Manual Check-Ins

Required at Brainerd, Blanchard, and Sartell Dams.
Just give your boat number to the volunteer—no check-in means a time penalty.

💤 Sleeping Area at Blanchard Dam

Night #1: A designated tent area will be mowed ¼ down the portage path. Support crews may set up tents before paddlers arrive. 

🎉 Post-Paddle Party at Finish Line

This year’s celebration is right at the finish line in Peninsula Point Park in Anoka—live music by Lindula Brothers, sponsor booths, cheering for finishers and a wood-fire pizza food truck/bus!

🛶 Boat Corral

Leave your boat at the finish-line corral and pick it up when you're ready—ideal if you finish Sunday and want to stay for the party.

🏁 Race Prep Tips

• Use the Paddler’s Guide to plan checkpoints, portages, and cut-off times.

• Expect 20–30 miles of flat water above each dam—pace accordingly.

• Prepare for cold water and night paddling: bring a dry bag with extra clothes and tie it to your boat. This bag should ONLY be opened in an emergency; have a different dry bag that you use for adding and subtracting layers of clothing.
  
  💪 Training

Anything helps—paddling, weights, running, etc. Just start!
Be cautious in spring conditions:

• Always wear your PFD

• Use a dry or wetsuit

• Stay close to shore, paddle with a group, and let someone know your route

Read: Frank Bures’ close call story—a helpful reminder.

Try paddling at night at least once beforehand—it’s a different challenge.

🚽 Pee, Eat, Paddle

The key to finishing? Stay in the boat.

• Figure out a urination plan (practice makes perfect—even for men).

• Eat while paddling—don’t waste momentum!

🏕️ Lodging

Thursday (Brainerd):

• Hotels, Lum Park (RV only), or Crow Wing State Park (camping)

Saturday/Sunday (near finish):

• Hotels in Coon Rapids or camping at Bunker Hills Regional Park

⛑️ PFDs

PFDs are required. See Rule #14 in the Race Rules for approved types.

❓ Questions?

Email us at info@twopaddles.org

See you on the water!
Scott Miller & Todd Foster
Race Directors

🚗 Directions and Parking for the Post Paddle Party in Anoka