Local excels in Mississippi River kayak race posted Tuesday, December 11th, 2012 @ 10:20 am  E-mail Story |  Print Story  Josh Russell is shown paddling towards the finish-line after conquering a grueling kayak marathon down the Mississippi River on Oct. 13. The Phatwater Kayak Challenge is a 42.5 mile kayak and canoe race on the river, held each year since October since 2002. The race begins in Grand Gulf and ends at the Under-The-Hill area of Natchez. Russell, a Franklin Parish native who now resides in Baton Rouge, finished 11th out of more than 150 contestants. The Crowville High School and LSU graduate posted a finishing time of 6 hours and 44 minutes.