Kentucky American Water Helps Launch KR255 Endurance Canoe Race on Kentucky River

LEXINGTON, Ky.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Kentucky American Water, along with Asbury University Center for Adventure Leadership in partnership with the Kentucky River Authority, have teamed up to present the first annual KR255 – a 255-mile endurance canoe/kayak race along the Kentucky River from the river's origins in Eastern Kentucky to its northernmost point where it flows into the Ohio River. Competitors will have exactly 100 hours to complete the course, starting in Beattyville, Ky., on June 21, and concluding in Carrollton, Ky., on or before June 25.

"We are excited to be part of what promises to be a unique test of endurance for canoe and kayak marathon race enthusiasts along one of the most scenic rivers," said Kevin Rogers, vice president of operations for Kentucky American Water. "In addition to the excitement of the competition itself, we're hopeful that this event will help to highlight the unique value of the Kentucky River, which provides drinking water for one sixth of Kentucky's population and is vital for the survival of countless plants and wildlife."

Paddlers may compete in the KR255 as solo participants, tandem teams or teams of three to four people. All will be required to traverse the 14 locks along the route, which will be used as checkpoints throughout the course. Several checkpoints will also offer paddlers a place to rest and recharge. Competitors will assemble support teams that will monitor their progress and serve as points of contact on land.

"We are excited to operate this event on the Kentucky River," said Trent Ellsworth, director for Asbury University's Center for Adventure Leadership. "We hope that it showcases some of the beauty and outdoor opportunities right here in the heart of the Bluegrass. We want to see people enjoy and care for this awesome natural resource."

To learn more about the KR255, visit www.kr255.com.

Asbury University Center for Adventure Leadership is committed to the goal of leadership development in its participants. Using adventure experiences in outdoor settings as educational tools, Adventure Leadership is the perfect option for groups with professional development, teambuilding, and outdoor recreation needs. In addition to offering a wide variety of programming to Asbury University's campus community, custom adventure experiences for any group or organization are also be offered by the Center for Adventure Leadership. For more information, visit: www.asbury.edu/adventure.

Kentucky American Water, a subsidiary of American Water AWK, is the largest investor-owned water utility in the state, providing high-quality and reliable water and/or wastewater services to approximately half a million people. The company was recognized as a Best Place to Work in Kentucky in 2014, 2015 and 2016. For more information, visit www.kentuckyamwater.com.

Founded in 1886, American Water is the largest and most geographically diverse publicly traded U.S. water and wastewater utility company. With headquarters in Voorhees, N.J., the company employs 6,800 dedicated professionals who provide regulated and market-based drinking water, wastewater and other related services to an estimated 15 million people in 47 states and Ontario, Canada. More information can be found at www.amwater.com.

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