MR 20 Overview

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A fast, scenic paddle on the Upper Mississippi—perfect for experienced and first-timers alike.

The Mississippi River 20 Canoe & Kayak Race, Relay & Tour (MR 20) is a 20-mile paddling event from Otsego to Anoka, Minnesota, offering competitive race divisions, a relay option, and a non-competitive recreational tour.

The event begins at 10:00 AM on Sunday, June 15, 2025, at Norin Landing / Kadler Ave. ramp in Otsego. Participants have until 5:00 PM to reach the finish at Peninsula Point Park in Anoka.

Solo paddlers, tandems, teams, and relay groups are welcome. Canoes, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and all human-powered boats are allowed.

Why People Love the MR 20

  • An event that’s challenging but approachable

  • Scenic paddling past islands, wooded banks, small cliffs, and river towns

  • A well-mapped course on the Minnesota DNR’s Mississippi Water Trail

  • Paddle past Elk River, Dayton, Ramsey, and into Anoka

Divisions & Event Format

Race divisions: Solo (men/women), Tandem (men/women/mixed), SUP

  • Team relay division: Paddle four sections as a team (see Paddler’s Guide)

  • Recreational tour division: Focus on completing the course within the time limit rather than racing

Support crews are allowed, and paddlers may stop along the route if desired.

Relay Format

The relay course is divided into three sections. Paddlers must switch at each checkpoint; no paddler may complete two consecutive sections.

  • Section 1: Norin Landing → Babcock (Checkpoint 1): 7.6 miles

  • Section 2: Babcock → Mississippi West Regional Park (Checkpoint 2): 7.5 miles

  • Section 3: Mississippi West Park → Mississippi Point Park (Finish): 4.5 miles

  • Finish cutoff: 5:00 PM

Key Times & Logistics

  • Check-in: 7:00–9:00 AM

    • Shuttle users: 7:00–7:30 AM (departure at 7:45 AM)

  • Mandatory pre-event meeting: 9:15 AM

    • Location: Norin Landing / Kadler Ave. ramp (west side of river, Otsego)

Optional shuttle service is available from Anoka to the start.

Need a boat? Clearwaters Outfitting offers canoe and kayak rentals—and will pick them up at the finish.

Post Paddle Party

Celebrate your finish at the Post Paddle Party, held 12:00–5:00 PM at Mississippi Point Park in Champlin.

Open to everyone, whether you paddled or not:

  • Live music!

  • River-related nonprofits and paddling exhibitors

  • Front-row views of paddlers finishing the MR 20 and other events

Registration & Fees (2025, per person)

A 2.9% + $1.30 transaction fee applies to all registrations.

  • $77.50 ($67.50 relay) – through April 15

  • $92.50 ($82.50 relay) – April 16–May 21

  • $122.50 ($112.50 relay) – May 22–June 10

Awards & Gear

  • All who register by May 21 receive an official event T-shirt

  • All finishers earn a finisher medal

  • Top 3 finishers in each division receive trophies

Refund Policy

  • Full refunds available through April 15 at 11:59 PM

  • No refunds after April 15 for any reason

Before You Paddle

All participants are required to read:

Additional resources:

Experience a grand adventure on America’s most famous river.
Join us for the Mississippi River 25 Canoe & Kayak Race, Relay & Tour.

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