It is billed as the Longest Paddle Race In one state and it began Saturday and will go through October 11. At 12:30 Saturday Afternoon, 14 paddlers began their journey along the Coosa River southward to Fort Morgan on Mobile Bay. You can follow their progress and timing on their tracker, the Great Alabama 650, on Facebook, and Instagram.
A person can test their strength, endurance, and mental fortitude in the toughest paddle race in the United States. This epic adventure takes racers along the core section of the Alabama Scenic River Trail, the longest river trail in a single state. From rushing whitewater to the ambling river delta, the race will challenge even the most experienced paddler. This race is sure to be a one-of-a-kind experience that will not soon be forgotten!
- October 1 – October 11, 2022
- 650-mile paddle race across the state of Alabama
- Begins in the northeast section of the state and finishes at Fort Morgan in Mobile Bay
- Prize money to be split between three divisions
Alabama Sen. Del Marsh, Rep. Ginny Shaver, Sen. Andrew Jones, JSU President Don Killingworth, and Jacksonville State University Director of Government Relations Leigha Cauthen were at Jake’s on the Lake in Centre for a winner’s recognition ceremony on Weiss Lake, Friday evening, Sept. 30. These lawmakers and local dignitaries honored the winners of last year’s race, presenting each attending winner with a resolution adopted by the Alabama Legislature.
State lawmakers have passed resolutions to recognize the Great Alabama 650 and its winners yearly since the race began in 2019. The winner’s recognition ceremony has become an important part of Great Alabama 650 pre-race events.
In addition, this year, before the race began, Alabama Governor Kay Ivey promoted the Great Alabama 650 in a video message.
It is significant that state and local leaders value the Alabama Scenic River Trail, the Great Alabama 650, and the paddle sports community in Alabama.
2021 winners recognized at Friday’s eremony were: Joe and Paul Cox, West Hansen and Salli O’Donnell.