Rivers Alabama — Photo via the Alabama Scenic Rivers Trail Facebook page

Move over Talladega Superspeedway, the state of Alabama has got another 500 plus mile race. The Great Alabama 650 – an adventure style paddler race is scheduled to launch this fall.

The details

27544815 10156207091939479 2587335815121870463 n What is the Great Alabama 650? Learn about the longest single-state river trail race in the U.S. happening this fall — Photo from Alabama Scenic River Trail Facebook page. Picture of paddler on Autauga Creek.

Beginning at Weiss Lake in Northeast Alabama on September 14, paddlers will race the entire length of Alabama on a river trail until they reach Fort Morgan.

10 Days to Complete

Racers will have up to 10 days to complete the course and vie for $22,500 in prize money, which will be divided across three divisions – male solo, female solo, and two-person team.

“Many of the world’s toughest paddlers will get a chance to experience the beauty and challenge of our Alabama waterways during the Great Alabama 650,” said Race Director, Greg Wingo.

The Great Alabama 650 will take place on the core section of the Alabama Scenic River Trail, the longest single-state river trail in the U.S.

Public Meetings About the Race

Screen Shot 2019 08 12 at 7.51.03 AM What is the Great Alabama 650? Learn about the longest single-state river trail race in the U.S. happening this fall — Check out www.AL650.com to view maps and other information about the Great Alabama 650 race across Alabama. The photo credit – Evan Lanier

To prepare the public for the Great Alabama 650, race organizers will host a series of public meetings about the race, across the state on August. 13, 14 and 15.

These meetings will be used to inform public safety officials, other stakeholders and a general audience about the racecourse and the event.

The meetings will be held in Gadsden, Montgomery and Mobile and will include representatives from the race and the Alabama Scenic River Trail.

At 650 miles, the Great Alabama 650 will be a significant addition to the long-distance paddle race circuit in the U.S., and it will become among the longest and most challenging annual paddle races in the world.

Here are the public meeting dates and locations:

Gadsden – August 13, 10 a.m.
The Venue at Coosa River

Montgmery – August 14, 10 a.m.
Montgomery Center for Commerce Building, room 342

Mobile – August 15, 10 a.m.
5 Rivers – Alabama Delta Resource Center

6502 What is the Great Alabama 650? Learn about the longest single-state river trail race in the U.S. happening this fall — Paddlers from all over the country will come to Alabama for the 650 mile race down the Alabama Scenic River Trail. Photo submitted

“It’s great to see events like these happening in our area – adding to our already long history of slalom canoe and kayak races,” said Helen Hays a certified River Kayak Instructor and Instructor Trainer. “Anything that encourages people to get out and enjoy our rivers, helps them learn about our rivers, and the importance of protecting them and protecting recreational access. My hat is off to the person who can complete this race – it’s a lot of miles!”