Reviewed by: Pat Byington
Annual Alabama Cup Races tournament sees record attendance
Reading time: 3 minutes
On April 5 and 6, hundreds of whitewater kayakers, canoers, rafters, paddleboarders and their supporters traveled to Blount County for the Alabama Cup Races. This annual event brings participants from all around the country to Central Alabama for two weekends of camping, community and intense whitewater racing on the Locust Fork and Mulberry Fork of the Black Warrior River.
Bham Now spoke with Alabama Cup Races Association president Tony Dilberto to learn more.
The Alabama Cup Races date back to 1981
Founded in 1992, the Alabama Cup Races are a collection of whitewater events made up of two premier events:
- Held the first full weekend of March, the Mulberry Fork Canoe and Kayak Races date back to 1981 and have hosted qualifying races for U.S. Olympic teams.
- Added in 1991, the Locust Fork Whitewater Classic is held the first full weekend of April.
“[The Alabama Cup Races] have proven to be a wonderful training ground for a lot of kayakers that have gone on to participate in national championships. Evy Leibfarth grew up participating in Alabama Cup Races; now, she’s paddling in the Olympics!”
Tony Dilberto, President, Alabama Cup Races Association
The two races consist of three competitive categories: Slalom (gate racing), Boater Cross (head-to-head through the race course) and Downriver (head-to-head race for 3+ miles from upriver down to through the race course finish line). Participants can race in kayaks, canoes, rafts and stand-up paddle boards.
During the races, spectators can watch the participants from walking trails along the banks, indulge themselves at the low country boil and meet participants from all over the country.
“We have participants from as far as Wyoming; no matter how far they’ve come from, they seem to all keep coming back.”
Tony Dilberto, President, Alabama Cup Races Association
A successful year for the Alabama Cup Races
This year’s Alabama Cup Races were a resounding success—even with the second day of the Locust Fork race being rained out.
“We had a record number of racers this year, with more than 70 kayakers at the Mulberry Fork race and more than 80 at the Locust Fork race.”
Tony Dilberto, President, Alabama Cup Races Association
Want to participate in future Alabama Cup Races? Here’s how you can get involved.
“The best way to get into paddling is to find your local club, like the Birmingham Canoe Club or Huntsville Canoe Club. They have the resources and know-how to teach you the skills you need to know.”
Tony Dilberto, President, Alabama Cup Races Association
Did you participate in this year’s Alabama Cup Races? Tag us @bhamnow to let us know!
