ALABAMA- Twenty of the fiercest paddlers from across North America and Europe will converge on Alabama next month for the 6th annual Great Alabama 650, a state-wide race that tests endurance paddling to its limits. Racers will face whitewater, battle tidewater currents, and traverse around nine dams in this 650-mile nonstop, adventure-style paddle race. It kicks off in Northeast Alabama at Weiss Lake on Sept 21, and spectators can cheer for racers on riverbanks in Gadsden, Pell City, Wetumpka, Montgomery, Selma, Fairhope, and more.
The race course is the core section of the longest National Water trail, the Alabama Scenic River Trail. The Alabama Scenic River Trail (ASRT) organization, which maintains paddling trails and volunteers throughout the state, puts on this annual event to showcase Alabama’s great water recreation opportunities and bring attention to the unique experiences to be had paddling in Alabama. The 650-mile core section of the National Water Trail extends from the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains in Northeast Alabama down through the heart of Alabama and on to Mobile Bay & the Gulf.
Racers will have up to ten days to finish the nonstop race going all out for a first-place win in one of three divisions– male solo, female solo, and two-person team. Participants can interchangeably use kayaks, canoes, or stand-up paddleboards throughout the event. Spectators can follow the event virtually at AL650.com, where ASRT will post a live map reporting up-to-the-minute updates on each racer’s progress. ASRT Race Staff will also share live race information through Facebook and Instagram posts, which spectators can find by following official race accounts (@GreatAlabama650) or using the hashtag #AL650.
Who: 20 Racers
What: The Great Alabama 650: 6th Edition of a 650Mile Alabama Professional Paddle Race
When: September 21, 2024 – October 1, 2024
Where: Alabama Scenic River Trail – Weiss Lake, Coosa River, Alabama River, to Mobile Bay & Fort MorganWebsite: AL650.com
Social media: @GreatAlabama650 and #AL650
The Alabama Scenic River Trail (ASRT) uses a network of members and outfitters to create, improve, and promote more than 6,300 miles of river trails. ASRT connects adventurers with opportunities to explore and appreciate Alabama’s great waterways through unique experiences. Working primarily through community partnerships, ASRT promotes safe, fun, and welcoming paddling experiences across the state for people of all skill levels. The Alabama Scenic River Trail, for which we are named, is the longest (650 miles) and most experience-diverse National Water Trail in America, covering mountain streams and multi-class whitewater to river delta and the salty waves of the Gulf of Mexico. To learn more, please visit alabamascenicrivertrail.com.
Feature Image: Alabama Scenic River Trail
