Going Big: John and Rene Imming Conquer 340-Mile River Race

Exploring the Outdoors with Purpose and Passion

The outdoors offer a unique blend of excitement and serenity, whether it's discovering a new trail or reaching a breathtaking vantage point. For John Imming, staying connected to nature is more than just a hobby—it's a way of life. Alongside his wife, Rene, he finds joy in adventures that take them away from technology and into the heart of the wild.

Imming, who once served as a firefighter with the National Parks Service, protected some of the most iconic natural landmarks in the country, including Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, and Rocky Mountain National Parks. After returning to Topeka, he sought a new way to stay engaged with the environment. A few years ago, he heard about an outdoor challenge and decided to give it a try with his wife.

In 2021, the couple took on the MR340, the world’s longest non-stop river race. With limited experience and basic gear, they completed the grueling 340-mile journey from Kansas City to St. Louis along the Missouri River. This year, they returned for their fourth consecutive participation in the event.

The MR340: A Test of Endurance and Teamwork

The MR340 is a demanding race that spans 340 miles, starting in Kansas City and ending in St. Louis. While some participants choose kayaks, the Immings opted for a canoe, relying on their teamwork and strategy to navigate the course.

John explained how they divided responsibilities during the race. “My wife is in the back and she steers with her feet while she’s rowing,” he said. “I can just row in the front and paddle with my strong side, it doesn’t matter which side that we are on because she can steer it.”

The couple finished the race in 79 hours and six minutes, managing only a few hours of sleep under a park pavilion along the river. When they needed food or rest, their family and friends would meet them at the shore to refuel them.

With over 300 teams participating, the MR340 draws a mix of serious competitors and those who simply want to cross the finish line. The race is not for the faint of heart, as heat, fatigue, and the steady current of the Missouri River—flowing at around 3 mph—make it a test of physical and mental endurance.

Hallucinations, Nighttime Challenges, and the Finish Line

As the race progresses, the effects of sleep deprivation and exhaustion begin to take hold. During one moment, a kayak approached the Immings, and John noticed something unusual on the back of their boat.

“Hey, you got a little visitor on the back of your boat,” he called out.

“Uh, are you hallucinating?” the other paddler asked.

“Oh yeah, that is very much a flag,” he replied.

Rene laughed it off, saying, “This is why you keep your hallucinations to yourself.”

Paddling at night is often considered the most challenging part of the race, especially when a full moon illuminates the Missouri River. Foggy conditions and the occasional barge passing through create unpredictable currents.

“Paddling at night is probably the scariest part during the first time,” Imming admitted. “Once you get through one night, you become an expert really quickly. You have no choice but to become an expert.”

Crossing the finish line brings a mix of emotions. While the couple is proud of their accomplishment, the physical toll leaves them too exhausted to celebrate. The long hours on the water cause a condition known as “sea legs,” making it difficult to stand or move normally.

A New Adventure Awaits

Despite the challenges, the Immings don’t view the race as a competition. “We’re never about winning; let’s just go out there and have fun,” Imming said.

Although they had no prior experience with canoeing, they trained by paddling around Perry Lake, showing that anyone can participate in the event. After finishing this year’s race, they joked about never wanting to see the Missouri River again—but Imming knows that when registration opens in the winter, they might sign up for their fifth expedition.

Beyond the MR340, Imming has bigger dreams. He plans to join his cousin, Ryan McCoy, in other global river races. McCoy, a theatre teacher at Washburn Rural, holds the record for the fastest known paddle down the Kansas River. Together, they hope to take on the Yukon 1000, a 1,000-mile canoe race starting in Whitehorse, Canada, and ending in Alaska.

“I always say, when I sign up for things, let’s not start small,” Imming laughed.