New update on 6/8/26:

Hello MR 145 Paddlers,

It is with great disappointment that we must cancel this year's Mississippi River 145.

Since our last update, water levels have continued to decline. We have been informed by the Brainerd Dam operators that they are now operating under their low-flow protocol, and conditions are not expected to improve in time for the race. Current flows are classified by the DNR as "scrapable"—one level below the "low" category.

The most concerning section is the approximately 40 miles between Brainerd and Little Falls, where numerous exposed rocks, sandbars, mud flats exist. At current flows, completing the course would require extensive dragging, lining, and carrying or dragging of boats through multiple sections of the river. This would be challenging during the day; nearly impossible at night. Last year, racers encountered challenges in this stretch even with two to three times the flow currently available. After careful consideration, we do not believe the course can provide the safe and enjoyable experience participants expect from the MR 145.

While this decision is incredibly frustrating for all of us, we hope you'll still join us this weekend. Water levels are well into the "medium" range for all the race courses on Saturday and Sunday, and the forecast looks great--temps in the 60's/70's. All MR 145 registrants are invited to participate in the Crow River 17 on Saturday and any of Sunday's races at no additional cost. Simply register through the event website and use the code (that was emailed to you; or email us at info@twopaddles.org) at checkout. If you would like shuttle service, register for that as well—the discount code will cover those fees too.

If you are unable to attend, we are offering a 50% refund. To request one, simply email us at info@twopaddles.org

Please let us know your decision by midnight this Wednesday, June 10th by either:

  1. Registering for the Saturday and/or one of the Sunday races OR

  2. Emailing us for a 50% refund

The Mississippi River 145 is a special event, and conditions like these are exceptionally rare for this time of year. We appreciate your understanding and support, and we sincerely hope to see you on the water this weekend or at next year's race.

If you have any questions, please email info@twopaddles.org or text the race hotline at 612-548-1628.

Sincerely,

Scott and Todd

Race Directors

Because many event expenses—including permits, shirts, medals, trophies, and other race preparations—have already been incurred, we are unable to offer refunds beyond 50%. We appreciate your understanding.

New update on 6/3/26:

New map that shows parking options for the Post Paddle Party Sunday afternoon.

The party is at Peninsula Point Park in Anoka. Take Hwy 169 and turn east on S. Ferry Road just north of the Mississippi River (by Lot 2 in the picture at left).

For those catching the shuttle for the MR 145, you will park and catch the shuttle in Lot #2.

For spectators, paddlers, etc. who are driving to the Post Paddle Party on Sunday afternoon, you can park in Lot #1. If that fills, then park in Lot #2. If that fills, park in the free public parking ramp. Feel free to drop people off before driving to park in Lot #2 or the ramp.

If your boat is at the finish line and you need to pick it up, the boat pick up area will be on the Rum River side of Lot #1.

Be sure to read previous important updates below.

A new time projection grid has been created that support crews can use to estimate when their paddlers will show up at certain places. See it in near the top of the Paddler’s Guide.

New update on 5/23/26:

Join us for the Post Paddle Party noon-5pm on Sunday June 14th—details in previous update below….behold our new map! (Be sure to read previous important updates below)

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

🛎️ 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