the 2009 mr340: warrior ant press women's solo division

WAP breaks down the women's solo division for this year's Missouri River 340.

One thing is for certain-a new champion will be crowned in this year's race. Katie Pffefferkorn, 2008 champ and solo record-holder has decided to double down with ubiqitous MR340 winner West Hansen. Eric Magee is serving and protecting this year and can't race.

This year 18 women will fight for the top spot on the sandbar. Here's a few to watch:

Natalie Courson, St. Peters, MO #1460. Natalie and Di McHenry won the women's tandem division in 2007 in record-setting time. She can go the distance.







Liz Doubet, Columbia, MO #2525. As a volunteer for Missouri River Relief who'll be manning safety boats along the race, Liz will have plenty of folks to cheer her downriver.

Karen Exon, Topeka, KS #3333. Karen finished just out of the money last year and will be looking to move up onto the podium.

Christina Glauner, Lawrence, KS #0340. Three time MR340 veteran Christina have finished every year. Christina carries a quiet determination and a relaxed attitude about the world but she may log more time in a kayak than most anyone on the river. This could be her year.

Melanie Hof, St. Louis, MO #2239. Melanie trains and motivates college atheletes for a living. Can she listen to her own logic?

Chris Jump, Lawrence, KS #3664. Chris and her partner won the women's tandem division in 2008. This year she solos her way downriver.

Hilary Kelly, Leavenworth, KS. Marine mettle found this newbie finishing 3rd in her first race. Warning to others. This year she's been training...in a boat.

JoJo Newbold, St. Louis, MO #5656. Fast and furious. An expert whitewater kayaker, if she can pace herself properly she should be able to stay in this race till the end.

Catrina Severson, Berea, OH #0822. If they ever include fishing as part of this race, Comrade Goldfish Goddess would surely win. Although this is her first attempt at the MR340, the relative flatwater of the MO River shouldn't be a problem for someone who's adept at simultaneously saltwater casting and paddling through ocean swells.

Adkins and Jump, 2007 Women's Tandem Winners.

Or will one of these first timers surprise the field?
Kris Albright, Fenton, MO #9360.
Traci Lynn Martin, Lee's Summit, MO #1150
Deborah Graham, Oak Grove, MO #1930
Pamela Greer, Kansas City, MO #1818
Cyndie Guffey, O'Fallon, MO #1112
Meghan McCullah, Columbia, MO #0421
Megan Haskamp, Glasgow, MO #4551
Jana McClelland, Hannibal, MO #6329
Christy Yount, Macon, MO #0906.

Stay tuned beginning Tuesday @ 8 am to find out. We'll be posting a few mobile blogs from the race. Or consult the rivermiles.com leaderboard for the the latest.