Kayakers Smash 150-Mile River Record in Under 18 Hours

Chelsey Magness and Daniel Staudigel just proved that world-class athletes can conquer new territory, even at breakneck speed.

The Bend, Oregon duo completed a grueling 150.4-mile unsupported run down the Willamette River in 17 hours and 44 minutes last Friday. They launched from Eugene at dawn and arrived at West Linn's Bernert Landing shortly after midnight, maintaining an incredible pace of nearly 8.5 miles per hour the entire way.

The feat shattered unofficial benchmarks for the Eugene-to-West Linn corridor. But what makes it even more remarkable is that this wasn't just about breaking records.

For Staudigel, a veteran of Amazon's Eco-Challenge: Fiji and co-holder of the current Yukon 1000 world record, the run served as crucial training for this summer's renowned Yukon 1000 river race. For Magness, the 2022 WEMBO 24-Hour Mountain Bike World Champion, it was her first major endurance test in a kayak.

Yes, a world champion mountain biker just conquered 150 miles of river on her kayaking debut. That's the kind of versatility that defines true champions.

The pair recently finished fifth at the 2025 Adventure Racing World Championships in Canada and are now preparing to bring the sport home. They're helping organize the 2026 USARA National Championship Adventure Race in Bend next October.

Why This Inspires

Beyond the impressive numbers, Magness and Staudigel wanted to shine a light on Oregon's hidden gem. "To have 150 miles of beautiful, uninterrupted river that is logistically easy to access is unique to Oregon," Magness said. "It's a stunning waterway every local adventurer should experience."

Their record proves that pushing personal limits and celebrating natural resources can go hand in hand. The Willamette Water Trail offers accessible adventure right in people's backyards, no plane ticket required.

Sometimes the most inspiring stories aren't just about winning, they're about discovering what's possible when champions step outside their comfort zones and invite others to follow.