Fort MORGAN, ALABAMA (October 13, 2023) — After an exhilarating and challenging nonstop 650-mile paddle race across the waterways of Alabama, the Great Alabama 650 reached its conclusion.
Over ten days, 11 boats from all over the world have completed the race after pushing their limits and showcasing remarkable determination. The Alabama Scenic River Trail organization sincerely congratulates all the participants for their remarkable achievements. Their incredible skill has inspired us all and shown off Alabama’s great water recreation opportunities to the world.
Overall Winner
Trey Reaves – 6 days 1 hour 31 minutes, Florence, AL, USA
Male Solo Winners
Trey Reaves – 6 days 1 hour 31 minutes, Florence, AL, USA
Bobby Johnson – 6 days 5 hours 50 minutes, Dunedin, FL, USA
Mirko Pruefer – 7 days 23 hours 12 minutes, Krauschwitz, Germany
(L-R) Salli O’Donnell, Matt Taylor, Myles Sumerlin & Trey Reaves
Finishers in the Male Solo Category
Chuck Scheidt – 7 days 23 hours 56 minutes, Corpus Christi, TX, USA
Brendan Forshee – 8 days, 3 hours, 11 minutes, Missouri, MO, USA
John Knippers – 8 days, 9 hours, 16 minutes, Langley, OK, USA
Brad Friesen – 9 days, 3 hours, 17 minutes, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
Christian Logan – 9 days 23 hours 40 minutes, Washington, MO, USA
Female Solo Winner
Salli O’Donnell – 6 days 6 hours 40 minutes, Fort Walton Beach, FL, USA
Tandem Category Winners
Matt Taylor, Myles Sumerlin – 7 days, 3 hours, 9 minutes, Brantley, AL, USA and Moss Point, MS, USA
Ryan Gillikin, Rod Price – 7 days 23 hours 39 minutes, Orlando, FL, USA and Bay Minette, AL, USA
3250 Club Achievement Award- Five-Time Finishers
Bobby Johnson – 6 days 5 hours 50 minutes, Dunedin, FL, USA
Salli O’Donnell – 6 days 6 hours 40 minutes, Fort Walton Beach, FL, USA
Paddleboard Finishes (Non-place finish, but 1st time ever record on the 650)
John Knippers – 8 days 8 hours 16 minutes, Langley, OK, USA
Brad Friesen – 9 days 2 hours 17 minutes, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
The Alabama Scenic River Trail, which runs the event, would like to extend heartfelt gratitude to all the volunteers and staff who worked tirelessly to ensure the seamless execution of this unforgettable race. Their dedication and hard work made the Great Alabama 650 a remarkable experience for all participants. Race Director Greg Wingo and his company ROAM Projects exceptional leadership played a pivotal role in the event’s success. Under his guidance, the Great Alabama 650 saw record performances and commanded the attention of paddlers worldwide. Sponsors of the event, stories and highlights from the course, as well as the official announcement of the 2024 Great Alabama 650 dates are listed below.
Stories of the 2023 Great Alabama 650
1st time an Alabamian Wins
Trey Reaves a native of Florence, AL finished in 6 days 1 hour 31 minutes on Friday, October 6th. Trey is the first Alabamian to win the race.
3,250 Club Achievement Award
3250 is the accumulated distance of 5 completions of The Great Alabama Race. The award is made out of Coosa River Clay and was presented to Bobby Johnson and Salli O’Donnell upon their 2023 5th time finish.
Two 1st Ever Paddleboard Finishers
John Knippers (pictured right) from Langley, OK was the first to ever complete the 650 on a Stand-Up Paddleboard. Knippers was followed later by Brad Friesen (pictured above) from Winnipeg, MB, Canada who was the second.
International Competitors on the AL650
Mirko Pruefer from Krauschwitz, Germany and Brad Friesen from Winnipeg, MB, Canada both finished this year bringing international attention to the annual race.
Finishing: 20 Mins to Spare
Christian Logan of Washington, MO made it to Ft. Morgan with just 20 minutes to spare and was the final finisher of the 2023 Great Alabama 650.
Cat ‘Logan’ Rescued by Crew
Blaine Forshee, crew member and son for racer Brendan Forshee, found the kitten under his truck and the little guy stowed away for over 100 miles before Blaine was able to coax him out! Logan is now a member of the Forshee Family.
About The Alabama Scenic River Trail (ASRT)
The Alabama Scenic River Trail (ASRT) uses a network of members and outfitters to create, improve, and promote more than 6,500 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. Today we continue to grow our network and share the state’s unparalleled water recreation opportunities.
To learn more about the Great Alabama 650 and all of ASRT’s programs, please visit the Alabama Scenic River Trail’s website at www.alabamascenicrivertrail.com.
