GUINNESS WORLD RECORD - FASTEST TIME TO PADDLE THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER BY TANDEM KAYAK/CANOE
2,348 miles in 18 days, 4 hours and 51 minutes!   
Record set during the Mississippi River Challenge for Rett Syndrome & Leukodystrophy, 2003  (MRC2003)

The MRC2003 started on May 10th, 2003 at 6 AM sharp.  Clark Eid (Cheshire, CT) and Bob Bradford (Lapeer, MI) began their epic race against the clock to paddle the mighty Mississippi River in a specially designed Kruger Cruiser canoe in honor of family members who suffered from two different, very rare diseases.  A team of dedicated volunteers supported them the entire journey.

They emerged from the ultra-marathon ten states later at Mile Marker Zero on Wednesday, May 28th, 2003 at 10:51 AM, shattering the previous records set for a 2 person team by over five days!

L to R Clark Eid, Bob Bradford, Justin, Bob's grandson in the canoe; Just after crushing the prior world record by over 5 days for fastest time down the Mississippi River; Event: Mississippi Challenge for Rett Syndrome May 2003

Bob and Clark are motivated by a love of paddling and the spirit of competition. But behind that, it's a deeply personal undertaking for both men. Clark's daughter, Amanda, has Rett syndrome and Bob's family has been affected by Adrenoleukodystrophy, so they took on this unique challenge to raise awareness and increase research funds to combat these two life threatening disease

Four World Records Set for Rett Syndrome Awareness During

The Great Mississippi River Race for Rett Syndrome, May 2001 (GMR2001)

 
On May 5, 2001, five daring teams of determined paddlers gathered at Itasca State Park, Minnesota and began the longest canoe/kayak marathon race in World History! 

​The race ended when all teams crossed the finish line at Mile Marker Zero (south of New Orleans) or May 31, 2001, whichever occurred first.

Physical and mental endurance were taken to the extreme while attempting to paddle 2,348 miles non-stop to the Gulf of Mexico to raise awareness for Rett Syndrome! 

Special US Coast Guard permission was granted to travel on otherwise "closed" sections of the river. Unfortunately, negotiations for this cost the racers at least two days
 
Official team members signed waivers and paid a small insurance fee for each team member as part of our agreement to keep sanctioning.   Any overage was donated to the Rett Syndrome Charities.

The race was proudly sanctioned by the United States Canoe Association and American Canoe Association.

​World Renowned "Double Helix" Rett Syndrome Flagship for the GMRR2001 on Display!
​
Clark Eid, Event Chairman, hand  built the one-of-a-kind cedar strip flagship Double Helix, for the Great Mississippi River Race for Rett Syndrome, 2001, in honor of his daughter Amanda who has Rett Syndrome.   

The Double Helix was built in honor of Clark's daughter, Amanda Eid, as a functional piece of art to heighten awareness of the rare disease Rett Syndrome.    It was constructed using more than 100 different woods and aerospace materials.    Clark designed a mural of two rose vines wrap around the hull made from several thousand pieces of wood veneers. This mural mimics DNA and can be deciphered to read “Amanda’s Dream Keeper” which prompted the Nobel Laureates who discovered DNA’s structure to sign the craft.  Further unique details include a GPS holder made with woods from Jacques-Yves Cousteau’s Calypso, a compass ring using woods from the La Amistad replica in Steven Spielberg’s 1997 movie, and a submersible sleeping pod used for the 24/7 ultra-marathon, all-conditions race.

This kayak was used during the race by Team Double Helix, and donated by Mary Potter and Clark Eid after the race for public display in honor of all those who are affected by Rett Syndrome.   Currently placed on display at the Tunica River Park and Museum in Tunica, TN, on the Mississippi River.   

The "Double Helix" Flagship for Rett Syndrome on display in New Orleans 2003-2017.