The Great Alabama 650: The longest US Paddle Race to Start on Weiss Lake
ALABAMA — 28 of the best paddlers from across North America and Europe
will converge on Alabama in October for the 7th annual Great Alabama 650
[2], a state-wide race that tests endurance paddling to its limits.
Racers will face whitewater, battle tidewater currents and traverse
around nine dams in this 650-mile nonstop, adventure-style paddle race.
It kicks off in Northeast Alabama at Weiss Lake on Oct. 4, and
spectators can cheer for paddlers during the race from riverbanks in
Gadsden, Pell City, Wetumpka, Montgomery, Selma, Fairhope and more.
The race course is the core section of the longest National Water Trail,
the Alabama Scenic River Trail, which extends from the foothills of the
Appalachian Mountains in Northeast Alabama down through the heart of
Alabama and on to Mobile Bay and the Gulf. The race is hosted by the
Alabama Scenic River Trail [3](ASRT) organization, which serves as the
state’s official paddling resource, collaborating with communities to
promote recreation, economic vitality and stewardship of Alabama’s
waterways.
Racers will have up to ten days to finish the race and secure a
first-place win in one of three divisions: male solo, female solo and
two-person team. Participants can interchangeably use kayaks, canoes or
stand-up paddleboards throughout the event. Spectators can follow
virtually at AL650.com, where a live map will report up-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 [4]) or by searching #AL650.
Who: 28 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
Social Media: @GreatAlabama650 [4] and #AL650
The Alabama Scenic River Trail [3] (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 [5].
