Press Release: The Great Alabama 650: Paddler Information and Rules

PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Release Date: Sept. 4, 2025, 2 PM CST

Media Contact:

Savannah Schmidt

Communications Specialist

Alabama Scenic River Trail, Inc.

[email protected]

Work: 314.422.9572

The Great Alabama 650: Paddler Information & Rules

ALABAMA —This year, a group of 25 racers will converge on Alabama for the 7th edition of the Great Alabama 650 paddle race. Paddlers from North America and Europe will face different types of water and traverse around nine dams in this 650-mile adventure race. Racers will have up to ten days to finish the race, competing for a first-place win in one of three divisions– male solo, female solo and two-person tandem team. Racers must have completed at least one qualifying race and have a crew prepared to assist them throughout the competition. With only 4 hours and 45 minutes of mandatory downtime across the ten days, the adventure is an all-out speed battle to reach the finish line.

Participants can use kayaks, canoes or stand-up paddleboards interchangeably throughout the event, primarily due to the variety of water types found in Alabama. As Greg Wingo, Race Director, stated, “Very few races around the world allow paddlers to change out their watercraft. Because we have a mix of flat water, whitewater, and bay water, we want racers to be able to paddle whatever is most comfortable for them in each condition.” Approximately 50% of this year’s racers are returners. This year promises to be an exciting one, and all of Alabama will be watching to see who finishes the 2025 Great Alabama 650.

Alabama Scenic River Trail (ASRT) will hold the Great Alabama 650 kick-off in Northeast Alabama at Weiss Lake Boat Launch between Centre and Cedar Bluff on Oct. 4 at 10 am. 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: 25 Racers, 20 Boats

What: The Great Alabama 650: a 650-Mile Alabama Professional 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.