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Press Release: 2024 Great Alabama: Largest Field Ever to Compete

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Release Date: September 5, 2024, 2:30PM CST

Great Alabama 650 Paddle Race: 2024 is Largest Field Ever to Compete

ALABAMA, September 2024 — The 6th edition of the Alabama Scenic River Trail’s Great Alabama 650, the longest annual solo paddle race in the world, will see its largest field of competitors yet. This year, 20 boats are set to begin the grueling 650-mile race across Alabama on September 21. Paddlers from 11 states and two countries (the U.S. and Germany) will face whitewater rapids, tidewater currents, flatwater stretches, and nine dam portages, with 35% of participants hailing from Alabama.

Participants will compete in one of three divisions: male solo, female solo, or tandem teams. Racers have 10 days to reach the finish at Fort Morgan, with only 4 hours and 45 minutes of mandatory rest throughout the race. Each Racer is required to have a crews to assist them as they traverse the state’s waterways. Crew can often make or break the race as the support team that racers choose will be who they rely on for food, rest, supplies, and support across the 10-day period. The race is an intense test of racers speed, endurance, and skill, where kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddleboards are used interchangeably due to the variety of water conditions found on the Alabama Scenic River Trail.

“There’s no other race like this anywhere in the world,” said Race Director Greg Wingo. “Racers will encounter a variety of water challenges, and the wildlife is just as unique, with sightings of bears, eagles, alligators, and even sharks. It’s guaranteed to be an exciting 10 days!”

Notable participants include returning champions Trey Reaves (2023) and Bobby Johnson (2019, 2022), along with Ryan Gillikin, who aims to become the third-ever five-time finisher. Lindsey Tilton of Florida and Veronica Sosa of Texas are attempting to become the first women to complete the race primarily on paddleboards.

The race kicks off at 10 a.m. on September 21 at Weiss Lake. Spectators can follow the action via a live map on AL650.com and through real-time updates on ASRT’s social media (@GreatAlabama650) using the hashtag #AL650. If spectators see a racer out on the water, they are encouraged to post a photo with the hashtag (#AL650) or tag the @greatalabama650 race account to share the racer’s progress.

Event Details:

  • Who: 20 racers
  • What: The 6th edition of the Great Alabama 650, a 650-mile paddle race
  • When: September 21, 2024 – October 1, 2024
  • Where: Starting at Weiss Lake and ending at Fort Morgan, Alabama
  • Website: AL650.com
  • Social Media: Follow ASRT’s race specific accounts @GreatAlabama650 on Instagram and Facebook as well as #AL650 across platforms for live updates

The Alabama Scenic River Trail (ASRT) maintains and promotes the National Water Recreation Trail, which stretches 630 miles, along with a network of 6,300+ miles of river trails throughout the state. ASRT works to ensure fun, safe, and welcoming opportunities for people to explore Alabama’s diverse waterways. Through collaborations with local partners, members, organizations, and outfitters, ASRT serves as the state’s premier paddling resource for all skill levels. 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. The Great Alabama 650, ASRT’s signature race, highlights the full scope of these waterways, promoting appreciation and recognition of the state’s great water recreation opportunities. To learn more, visit alabamascenicrivertrail.com.

Media Contact:
Martha Grace Mize
Development and Outreach Coordinator
Alabama Scenic River Trail, Inc.
[email protected]
Work: 205.523.5834

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