100
MRX
ALGONQUIN OUTFITTERS MUSKOKA RIVER X
DESCRIPTION
2027 marks the 14th Season of Algonquin Outfitters Muskoka River X. Considered by some the most demanding single-day paddling race in the world.
The MRX embodies the fundamentals of Adventure Racing, Paddle Sports, and Back-Country Tripping.
Algonquin Park is the oldest and arguably most famous provincial park in Canada. At 7,630 square kilometres it is larger than the province of Prince Edward Island. Algonquin Park is renowned for its abundance of lakes, rivers and marshes. The interconnecting patchwork of portages makes Algonquin Park a maze of paddling route possibilities.
On September 18, 2027, starting at dawn on the shore of an undisclosed lake, teams will paddle into the heart of Algonquin Park. After completing distances ranging from 40km to over 100km, teams will finish at the same undisclosed location. True to Adventure Racing, no other aspect of the routes will not be revealed until race weekend. Only then will Teams decipher the hidden routes using the provided course instructions and topographic maps. Paddling and navigating their way through a maze of lakes, rivers, marshes and portages, under the setting sun, they will find their way home.
NO SUPPORT TEAMS. NO RE-SUPPLIES.
JUST YOU, YOUR PADDLE, MAP AND COMPASS.
WELCOME TO THE MRX
ROUTE
Teams start their expedition at an undisclosed location and navigate, paddle, and portage, back to an undisclosed location, all within Algonquin Park.
All teams must complete the Main Course. The Main Course is estimated to be 40km +/- in distance and includes traditional back-country, lakes, rivers, marsh, and portages.
Teams that successfully complete the Main Course before a specified time may choose to attempt several Advanced Courses. Each Advanced Course has a different degree of back-country difficulty. Each Advanced Course adds different distances, both on water and portaging. When completed entirely, you can expect to navigate, paddle and portage over 100km. Designated cut-off times apply. Course details will be made available to registered team on September 17, 2027 when they check in.
Final Rankings by Category are based on actual finishing times in consecutive order.
- Main Course + AC2 + AC3 (100+km)
- Main Course + AC3
- Main Course + AC1 + AC2
- Main Course + AC2
- Main Course + AC1
- Main Course (40km +/-)
FUN FACTS
- Overall Total Distance: 100 km +/-
- Sunrise: 7:33 am
- Average High: 15ºC
- Average Daily Wind Speed: 10-17km/hr.
- Number of Portages: To Be Discovered
- Sunset: 6:25 pm
- Average Low: 10ºC
- Average Monthly Rain: 82 mm
- Moon Phase: Waning (96% illumination)
CATEGORIES
Tripper Class
(Female / Male / Non-Binary / Mixed / Family)
A non-racing canoe with a symmetrical hull and symmetrically C-shaped bow and stern, between 15 and 17 feet long.
- Tandem canoes only
- No skegs/rudders
- Trippers use a wooden, straight-shaft, and straight-blade canoe paddle
- Examples include: “Prospector”, “Peterborough” and “Canadian-Style”
C2 Stock
(Female / Male / Non-Binary / Mixed / Family)
Maximum length of 18’6”. Minimum width of 14.4% of length at 4” waterline (i.e., 32” for 18’6” length / 29.4” for 17’ length). Minimum depth @ Bow (17”), Centre (12.5”) and Stern (16”).
- Canoes with concave hulls are not permitted
- No skegs/rudders
- Single-blade paddle only
C1 Stock
(Female / Male / Non-Binary)
Maximum length of 17’2” and minimum length of 15’.
- Canoes with concave hulls are not permitted
- No skegs/rudders
- Single-blade paddle only
K1 Fast
(Female / Male / Non-Binary)
9.25:1 to 10.99:1 length to width ratio – see https://soundrowers.org/wp/boat-classes/ for a list of kayaks that meet specification as per Sound Rowers. This category includes traditional sea kayaks with fast hull designs, performance surf skis, and performance kayaks.
- Double-blade paddle only
K1 Touring
(Female / Male / Non-Binary)
This category includes various traditional sea kayaks as well as non-performance surf skis. Minimum length of 15 feet.
Less than 9.25:1 length to width ratio – see https://soundrowers.org/wp/boat-classes/ for a list of kayaks that meet specification as per Sound Rowers.
- Double-blade paddle only
Stand-up Paddle Board
- Hard Board Class
- Inflatable Board Class
(Female / Male / Non-Binary)
Is an open class but must meet the following specifications:
Length: Minimum of 11’6” / 14’ maximum
Width: No minimum / No maximum
- Single-blade paddle only
Voyageur Class
ARE YOU WORTHY TO BE A VOYAGEUR?
VOYAGEURS were the predecessor of today’s long-distance shipping and supply companies. Paddling canoes filled with trade goods across the interior of the continent, their strength and endurance were legendary. Each voyageur worked at least 14 hours a day, paddled 55 strokes per minute, and could carry two bundles of pelts and furs weighing about 90lbs across each portage. A routine portage meant carrying 180 pounds across rugged terrain full of rocks, mud, mosquitoes and black flies. The Muskoka River X gives tribute to these legends with the Voyageur Class. By entering, you choose to transport a handmade wooden wanagan filled with locally crafted and sourced goods across Algonquin Park. Your reward for accomplishing this arduous task? Bragging Rights! And you get to keep the wanagan and all that it contains.
THE WANAGAN is a locally handcrafted wooden box; 2’x1’x1′ for Tandems and 1’x1’x1′ for Solos. They are sealed prior to being issued and must not be opened until the awards banquet. The payload comprises a selection of locally sourced goods. Each wanagan will be the same, proportioned for Solos and Tandems and typically weight 30+ lbs. The payload is packed in a water-resistant fashion and resistant to bumps and knocks, but should not be considered water-proofed or drop-proofed. Care must be taken to keep the contents dry and in good condition. As a Voyageur, you are responsible for any damage to the goods.
THE CHALLENGE is to successfully transport your wanagan from the start line and deliver it to the finish line. The 1st Voyageur Team to successfully deliver their wanagan will be celebrated the winner, and a modern-day Voyageur. All Voyageur Teams will be celebrated at the awards banquet where they will open their wanagan and enjoy their Payload. Any watercraft category can participate. Voyageur Teams are ranked in their watercraft category and separately within the Voyageur category. Prove yourself worthy. Register for the Voyageur Class.
Registration fees for the Voyageur Class are added to the MRX Base fees.
- Solo (C1, Kayak, SUP) $150 + HST
- Tandem (C2) $200 + HST
DOCUMENTS
Details of the 2027 River X are still being finalized.
They will be posted as soon as reasonably possible.
2027 – Hold the Date
September 17-19, 2027
Registration Opens January 9, 2027
Details are being finalized. Expect an Algonquin Park start and finish. Distances range from about 40km to over 100km, depending on which optional routes are completed. Registration is limited to 60 Teams.
Official event details will be announced in November 2026.
2026 SOLD OUT IN 3.5 HOURS
Wait List: Registration is first-come-first-serve. There is no advanced reservation or waitlist. After all available spots are filled, interested teams may submit their names to be placed on the wait list. Email and provide your name and contact information. The wait list will be queued according to the order of when race management receives the request. As vacancies become available, teams on the wait list will be contacted according to their wait list status and allowed 48 hours to complete registration. If registration is not completed within 48 hours, the next team on the wait list will be offered the opportunity.
SPONSORS AND PARTNERS
Thank you to those who brought the MRX to the finish line.
VIDEOS
2021 Huntsville 110: THE CHALLENGE | 24 HOUR MARATHON PADDLING
Thanks to Muskoka Roastery for producing this short documentary about the Huntsville 110 Race in Sept 2021.
Seeing Is Believing
2014 Official Muskoka River X Documentary
Thanks to Andy Hansen of Pure Muskoka, who produced, directed and edited this professional mini-documentary of the 2014 Muskoka River X. MRX alumnus, Chris Near of Huntsville, helped Andy get to all the spectacular locations along the course. Armed with a drone, multiple GoPro cameras and a DSLR, Andy has captured and created a captivating testament to the challenge of the Muskoka River X and those that are driven to accomplish this epic expedition paddling race.
2013 Muskoka River X
Andy Hansen