Every July, more than 500 paddlers push off from Kansas City down 340 miles of massive Missouri River current, paddling day and night across the state in one of the world’s longest nonstop river races. This is the MR 340, an event of endurance, suffering and transformation. From solo racers chasing records to 10-person canoes grinding it out over four brutal days, every paddler faces the same river. In this episode, we sit down with Kate Mansker, a racer from the very first MR 340 in 2006 who still holds course records, and Steve Schnarr, the race director who steers the chaos behind the scenes. Together, they chart the evolution of the race, the legends it’s created, and what it takes to avoid the Reaper.

GUESTS

Kate Mansker

Steve Schnarr

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Denver Area NIssan Dealers
@nissanusa

River City Outdoors
@outdoorsstl
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Big Muddy Adventures
@paddlestl
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Terrain Magazine
@terrain_magazine
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MR 340 RACE INFO
www.mr340.org

Race tracking

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Article 1: They Were Magnificent Humans: An Oral History of the First MR340

Article 2: Missouri River Relief to host 20th annual MR340 race on Missouri River

THE RIVER RADIUS

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Live from the River Management Society’s Annual Symposium in Ashland, Oregon, we bring you a live conversation with Paddle Tribal Waters. This powerful project is paddling the entire length of the Klamath River from its headwaters to the Pacific Ocean during the summer of 2025. We dive into the vision and logistics behind this month-long river journey. Hear how Paddle Tribal Waters is weaving together stories of ecology, culture and river life.

SPONSORS

Northwest River Supplies
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American Whitewater
@americanwhitewater
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HOST
River Management Society
RMS Symposium
@rivermgtsociety

GUESTS
Rios to Rivers
Paddle Tribal Waters
@riostorivers

Danielle Rey Frank

Amada Lang
@moddss

Ruby Rain Williams
@rubyrainwilliams

Keeya Wik
@keeya.wiki

Julian Tohnikyaw Rogers
@tohnikyaw

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Katie Veteto is a river guide with quiet calculated confidence and a sharp eye for water. Within a few years she was navigating one of the most difficult crafts on the river—the massive sweep boat. NRS's new film Driving Sweep, directed by River Radius Contributing Host Greg Cairns, follows her journey of learning, doubt, and determination as she takes on a role historically dominated by men. Through her story, the film offers a powerful reflection on resilience, mentorship, and making space in wild places.

GUESTS

Katie Veteto
Katie Veteto was born in Southern Utah, raised in the Missoula Valley, and now spends her time in Missoula, MT and Salmon, ID. She grew up seeing the rivers of the West through the joyful lens of community and recreation and continues to guide on rivers in Montana and Idaho. Katie is an elementary school teacher. During Katies time off, you’ll find her romping in the woods with her dog Tuck, swing dancing, knitting hats, writing, or bumping around on a bike. In the Summer you’ll find her somewhere on the Middle Fork of the Salmon.

Greg Cairns
Contributing Host & Film Creator

SPONSORS

NRS
@nrsweb

Valley Nissan
@valley_nissan

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Enter Here
@riverradiuspodcast

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