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Press Release: The Great Alabama 650: Official Basecamp Announcement

PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Release Date: Sept. 8, 2025, 12 PM CST

Media Contact:

Savannah Schmidt

Communications Specialist

Alabama Scenic River Trail, Inc.

[email protected]

Work: 314.422.9572

Montgomery Whitewater:

Megan McKenzie

334.221.0408

[email protected]

Alabama Scenic River Trail and Montgomery Whitewater Partner to Host Basecamp for 

Great Alabama 650 Paddle Race

Montgomery, AL — September 8, 2025  — The Alabama Scenic River Trail organization and Montgomery Whitewater are excited to announce a new partnership to establish an official basecamp and stop for participants of the Great Alabama 650, a grueling 650-mile paddle race that stretches along the nation’s longest river trail.

The Great Alabama 650 is an endurance race that challenges paddlers to navigate the diverse waterways of the Alabama Scenic River Trail — from Weiss Lake in northeast Alabama all the way to Fort Morgan on Mobile Bay. Over approximately 10 days (October 4-14), competitors will face a true test of strength, skill, and mental fortitude, enduring everything from whitewater rapids to flat water and bay water.

Montgomery Whitewater will serve as an official basecamp for the race during the Oct. 2025 event 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 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 growing paddling culture across the state. We look forward to a fun Basecamp this year!”

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. 6-8th. 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.

For the latest information and updates, please follow:

About ASRT:

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.

About Montgomery Whitewater Park
Montgomery Whitewater Park is a 120-acre state-of-the-art recirculating whitewater park and outdoor adventure center located off I-65 in Montgomery, Alabama offering a variety of outdoor lifestyle activities both in and out of the water for all ages and skill levels. Developed by Southern Whitewater Development Group for the Montgomery County Community Cooperative Group, this park was conceived and developed as a large-scale public-private investment to catalyze economic growth and provide health-focused recreation and employment opportunities. More information is available at Montgomerywhitewater.com.

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