MR 43 Overview

Register HERE

Paddle 43 miles of classic Upper Mississippi River scenery.

The Mississippi River 43 Canoe & Kayak Race and Tour (MR 43) is a one-day endurance paddle from Clearwater to Anoka, Minnesota. The MR 43 welcomes racers, relay teams, and recreational tour paddlers for a challenging yet accessible river adventure.

The event begins at 8:00 AM on Sunday, June 15, 2025, at the Clearwater Public Landing. Participants have until 5:00 PM to reach the finish at Peninsula Point Park in Anoka.

Paddlers may compete solo, tandem, or as part of a team. Canoes, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and all human-powered boats are welcome.

Why People Love the MR 43

  • A true endurance challenge that’s achievable with preparation

  • A beautiful 43-mile stretch of river with dozens of islands, forested banks, small cliffs, and historic river towns

  • Scenic paddling past Becker, Monticello, Elk River, Dayton, Otsego, and Anoka

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

Water levels and conditions vary year to year. Some years are fast and forgiving; others are more demanding—making every MR 43 a unique experience.

Event Format & Divisions

  • 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 anywhere along the route if desired.

Relay Format

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

  • Section 1: Clearwater → Snuffie’s Landing (Checkpoint 1): 9 miles

  • Section 2: Snuffie’s → Norin Landing/Kadler (Checkpoint 2): 14 miles

  • Section 3: Norin → Babcock Park (Checkpoint 3): 8 miles

  • Section 4: Babcock → Peninsula Point Park (FINISH): 12 miles

Key Times & Logistics

  • Check-in: 4:00–6:45 AM (earlier for shuttle users)

  • Mandatory pre-event meeting: 7:15 AM at Clearwater Public Landing

  • Mississippi West ramp cutoff: 3:30 PM (5 miles from finish)

  • Finish deadline: 5:00 PM

Optional shuttle service is available from Anoka to the start.

All participants are encouraged to use the Webscorer tracking app, allowing friends and family to follow progress live.

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

Post Paddle Party

Celebrate your paddle at the Post Paddle Party, held 12:00–5:00 PM at the finish line in Anoka.

Open to everyone, the party includes:

  • Live music!

  • River-related nonprofits and paddling exhibitors

  • Front-row views of paddlers finishing the MR 43 and other events

Registration & Fees ( per person)

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

  • $87.50 ($77.50 relay) – through April 15

  • $102.50 ($92.50 relay) – April 16–May 21

  • $132.50 ($122.50 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 must read:

Additional resources:

Experience a grand adventure on America’s most famous river.
Join us for the Mississippi River 43 Canoe & Kayak Race & Tour.

Register HERE