Long time Bonners Ferry residents Josh Friedman and Julie Kirk completed the MR340 race on the Missouri River July 8 through July 11. The Missouri American Water MR340 is the world’s longest non-stop river race. But wait, there’s more!
The goal that Josh and Julie set for themselves was to set the world record for the longest distance dragon boat, flowing water race and they did just that.
Paddling 371 miles to set the world record, they also completed the MR340 race in first place in their division and 10th place overall.
“…Everyone on this team was amazing and it was an absolute honor to be in this boat with all of them and to get to know them.” Josh says, “I look forward to seeing each one of them on the water again someday, somewhere. With incredible effort and determination under extreme heat conditions we were able to set the world record for longest distance dragon boat, flowing water of 371 miles and in process of that we finished the MR340 in first place in our division and tenth place overall. With a time of 46 hours 34 minutes, we also accomplished sub 50 hours for an MR340 achievement. We missed our previous 24-hour world record by just four miles. What an incredible performance by the team and we couldn’t have done it without our amazing support crew. Thank you all!”