ALABAMA — This Oct. 3-13, 30 racers will converge on Alabama for the 8th edition of the Great Alabama 650, the longest paddle race in the U.S. Paddlers will have up to 10 days to finish, competing in one of three divisions of this 650-mile endurance challenge: male solo, female solo, and two-person team. They must have completed at least one qualifying race and have a crew prepared to assist them. Participants can use kayaks, canoes, or stand-up paddleboards interchangeably throughout the event, primarily because of the variety of water types in Alabama.

First to see these paddlers between Oct. 3-5 will be the Weiss Lake area of Centre and Cedar Bluff, Leesburg, then Gadsden, Rainbow City, Southside, Ohatchee, Ragland, Riverside, and Pell City. After this point, the paddlers stretch out as the course takes its toll, passing through the Lay Lake area of Coosa Pines, Childersburg, Wilsonville, and Talladega Springs. After crossing Jordan Dam, the racers will hit their first checkpoint in Wetumpka at Coosa River Adventures (cutoff is Tuesday, Oct. 6, at 8 PM).

The remaining racers will continue to Montgomery, down to Robert F. Henry Dam and then through Selma. More rural areas of the state, like Gees Bend and the area surrounding Camden, will be able to see paddlers portage around Millers Ferry (cutoff for racers Friday, Oct. 9, at 10 AM) before passing by Lower Peach Tree and on to Claiborne.

The final section, which typically takes racers the longest, will run from Stockton and Spanish Fort, down past Fairhope, to the Bay’s opening. The race will end at Ft. Morgan, where arguably the most challenging part of the 650 lies. Between dodging ferries and navigating the baywater’s turbulence, it can take the racers two days to reach the finish line and earn their hard-won place. With only 4 hours and 45 minutes of mandatory downtime across the ten days, the race is an all-out speed battle to reach the finish line by 2:45pm on October 13.

For in-person spectating, ASRT recommends stopping by the portages or any of the following watch party spots along the course:

OCT 3, 10am: Race starts at Weiss Lake Boat Ramp

OCT 3, 6pm-9pm: Watch party in Gadsden, AL at Buffalo Wild Wings, hosted by Greater Gadsden Tourism

OCT 5-7, open 24 hours a day (opening party details TBA): AL650 Basecamp at Montgomery Whitewater Center

Finish line: Fort Morgan Public Boat Launch

Spectators can also follow virtually at AL650.com, where a live map will provide up-to-the-minute updates on the racers’ progress. ASRT Race Staff will also share live race information on Facebook and Instagram through the official race accounts (@GreatAlabama650) or by searching #AL650.

Quick Information

Who: 30 Racers

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

When: Oct. 3-13, 2026

Where: Alabama Scenic River Trail — Weiss Lake, Coosa River, Alabama River, Mobile Bay, and Fort Morgan

Website: AL650.com

Social Media: @GreatAlabama650 and #AL650

About the Alabama Scenic River Trail

The Alabama Scenic River Trail (ASRT) serves as the state’s official paddling resource, collaborating with communities to promote recreation, economic vitality, and stewardship of Alabama’s waterways. Through strong partnerships with local organizations, members, and outfitters, ASRT welcomes paddlers of all skill levels to explore over 6,300 miles of paddling trails across the state. ASRT is committed to providing safe and welcoming paddling experiences that connect adventurers to Alabama’s diverse waterways. Learn more about ASRT by visiting our website at https://link.edgepilot.com/x/9ljR8jCbVkm-8CD3XH2iVEE?u=https://www.alabamascenicrivertrail.com/