Press Release: The Great Alabama 650: Halfway there and (almost) finishing! Race Update & Expected Finishing Time

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Oct. 8, 2025, 9 PM CST

The Great Alabama 650: Halfway there and (almost) finishing! Race Update & Expected Finishing Time

ALABAMA —— Race Update: All 14 remaining boats successfully passed through Check Point 1: Coosa River Adventures by Tuesday at 8 PM (Mile 232/650). Racers must be at the second checkpoint at Millers Ferry near Camden, AL (Mile 417/650) by Friday, Oct. 10, 10 AM to continue in the race. After Check Point 2, racers will be passing through the communities of Lower Peach Tree and Claiborne before the final section, which typically takes racers the longest, going from Stockton and Spanish Fort down past Fairhope to Ft. Morgan. As of Oct. 8, at 9 PM, the current leader was Bobby Johnson and Matt Taylor near mile 543. The race leader based on current information could finish as early as tomorrow evening and into Friday. The conditions of Mobile Bay and when they decide to enter the waters will impact that estimated finish time.

Racers will have up to ten days to finish the race and secure a first-place win in one of three divisions: male solo, female solo and two-person tandem team. Participants can interchangeably use kayaks, canoes or stand-up paddleboards throughout the event. 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.

Who: 24 Racers, 20 Boats

What: The Great Alabama 650: a 650-Mile Alabama  Ultra-Endurance Paddle Race

When: October 4-14, 2025

Where: Alabama Scenic River Trail- Weiss Lake, Coosa River, Alabama River, to Mobile Bay & Fort Morgan

Website: AL650.com

Social Media: @GreatAlabama650 and #AL650

The Alabama Scenic River Trail (ASRT) maintains and promotes the core National Water Trail, along with a network of over 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.