Paddle power on display as racers travel down Alabama waterways for AL650

The Great Alabama 650 (AL650) kicks of Oct. 4 with 25 racers in 20 boats paddling their way 650 miles in Alabama waterways from the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains to Mobile Bay and the Gulf.

The Alabama Scenic River Trail (ASRT) is conducting the 7th edition of the AL650 Oct. 4-14. The course will repeat last year’s grueling 650 miles covering whitewater, flat calm water, flowing rivers, tidewater currents and baywater.

Racers will begin at Weiss Lake near Centre, followed by Cedar Bluff, Leesburg, down through Gadsden, Rainbow City, Southside, Ohatchee, Ragland, Riverside and Pell City. Past this point, the paddlers stretch out as the course takes its toll, passing through the Lay Lake area of Coosa Pines, Childersburg, Wilsonville and Talladega Springs. After crossing Jordan Dam, the racers will hit their first checkpoint in Wetumpka at Coosa River Adventures. They have until Tuesday, Oct. 7, at 8 p.m. to make it to this point.

Montgomery Whitewater will serve as an official basecamp for the race, providing paddlers and their crews a critical rest stop to recharge, resupply, and access facilities before continuing their journey.

“This partnership with the Alabama Scenic River Trail highlights the spirit of endurance and community that defines the Great Alabama 650,” said Jason Wilson, executive director of Montgomery Whitewater. “Our shared commitment to promoting outdoor adventure and connecting people with Alabama’s waterways makes this collaboration especially meaningful. This basecamp would not be possible without the support of the Alabama Scenic River Trail, and we look forward to many future partnerships that strengthen our missions and our community.”

The center will be hosting special race-time festivities on Monday, Oct. 6, from 5-7pm. The public is encouraged to come out and cheer on the competitors as they pass through Montgomery Oct. 6-8. Fans can also follow the race’s progress through live tracking, social media updates, and interactive maps on the Alabama Scenic River Trail and Montgomery Whitewater platforms.

“The Alabama 650 is one of the most exciting paddle events in the world, and we are thrilled to be able to bring the public closer to the action,” said Andrew Szymanski, executive director of Alabama Scenic River Trail. “Our partnership with Montgomery Whitewater will help more people learn about the exciting world of endurance paddling and Central Alabama’s role in the growing paddling culture across the state. We look forward to a fun Basecamp this year!”

From Montgomery, racers will continue down to Robert F. Henry Dam and then through Selma. More rural areas of the state, like Gees Bend and the area surrounding Camden, will be able to see paddlers portage around Millers Ferry (cutoff for racers is Friday, Oct. 10, at 10 a.m.) before passing by Lower Peach Tree and on to Claiborne.

The final section, which typically takes racers the longest, will be from Stockton and Spanish Fort, down past Fairhope and to the Bay’s opening. The race will end at Ft. Morgan, where arguably the most challenging part of the 650 lies. Between dodging ferries and navigating the baywater’s turbulence, it can take the racers two days just to reach the finish line and earn their hard-won place.

Spectators can follow virtually at AL650.com, where a live map reports to-the-minute updates on the racer’s progress. ASRT Race Staff will also share live race information through Facebook and Instagram posts, available on the official race accounts (@GreatAlabama650) or by searching #AL650.

Sponsors of this year’s race include:

• Alabama Power
• Alabama Power Foundation
• Cahaba Brewing (Beer of the AL650)
• Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce
• City of Wetumpka
• Coosa River Adventures Inc.
• Discover Daphne
• Elmore County Economic Development Authority
• Greater Gadsden Area Tourism
• Main Street Wetumpka
• Montgomery Whitewater Center
• Paddle Dynamics
• Selma and Dallas County Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Office

The Alabama Scenic River Trail (ASRT) maintains and promotes the core National Water Trail, along with a network of more than 6,500 miles of paddling trails throughout the state. The organization’s trail network spans from North Alabama mountain streams and whitewater rapids to South Alabama’s river deltas, making it one of the most varied water trail networks in the nation. As a nonprofit, ASRT operates through collaborations with local partners, organizations and outfitters, serving as the state’s paddling resource for all skill levels. The Great Alabama 650, ASRT’s signature race, highlights the full scope of these waterways, promoting appreciation and recognition of the state’s exceptional water recreation opportunities. Learn more by visiting ASRT.me.