Reviewed by: Cindy Hatcher
How to see the nation’s longest paddle race here in Alabama, Oct. 3-13, 2026
Reading time: 4 minutes
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The Great Alabama 650 (AL650) returns from Oct. 3-13, 2026, welcoming 32 paddlers from around the world to compete in the longest paddle race in the United States.
Did you know Alabama is home to the longest National Water Trail in a single state? Those who race the 650-mile Alabama Scenic River Trail (ASRT) know it oh-so-well, testing their wits and endurance around nine dams and through whitewater and tidewater currents.
Read on for everything you need to know to follow along, support the racers and learn more about our wonderful waterways.
The Great Alabama 650 quick guide
What is the Alabama Scenic River Trail?
The ASRT extends from the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains in Northeast Alabama through the heart of the state and on to Mobile Bay and the Gulf.
The ASRT name applies to both the trail and the nonprofit that promotes it. As the state’s official paddling resource, the ASRT organization encourages people to recognize, appreciate and enjoy Alabama’s exceptional waters.
To do that, ASRT collaborates with communities to promote recreation, economic vitality and stewardship of our waterways. The organization also partners with local groups and outfitters to promote paddling for people of all skill levels on trails statewide.
From those objectives arose the AL650, now known as one of the toughest endurance paddling events in the world.
What is The Great Alabama 650?
ASRT launched the AL650 in 2019. The race kicks off annually in Northeast Alabama at Weiss Lake and ends at Fort Morgan Public Boat Launch, covering 18 counties and including sections of the Coosa, Alabama, Mobile, Tensaw, Apalachee and Blakely rivers.
Competitors in three divisions—solo male, solo female and tandem—have up to 10 days to complete the race and may switch between kayaks, canoes or stand-up paddleboards.
This year, racers from across the U.S., England, Germany, Estonia, Canada and New Zealand will vie for the top prize.
See the course map, rules + more on the AL650 website.
How can you watch The Great Alabama 650?
Supporters go all out to cheer on paddlers in the AL650. (ASRT) 
Matt Taylor and Bobby Johnson show their trophy after winning the overall and tandem categories of the AL650 in 2025. (ASRT) 
Salli O’Donnell was the first solo finisher in the AL650 in 2025, completing the race in 6 days, 17 hours and 53 minutes. (ASRT) 
Salli O’Donnell was the first solo finisher in the AL650 in 2025, completing the race in 6 days, 17 hours and 53 minutes. (ASRT)(ASRT) 
Paddler Chris Thomas took the top prize in the men’s solo category of the 2025 AL650, completing the race in 7 days and 51 minutes. (ASRT) 
German paddler Mirko Pruefer finished fourth in the male solo category of the AL650 in 2025, completing the course in 7 days, 22 hours and 18 minutes. (ASRT) 
Tandem paddling on smooth waters during the AL650 (ASRT) 
Tandem paddlers Izzy Nicolier and Lillian Nelson completed the 2025 AL650 in 9 days, 1 hour and 3 minutes.(ASRT) 
Supporters in Wetumpka cheer along AL650 competitors in 2025. (ASRT) 
AL650 Race Director Greg Wingo congratulates paddler Jason Hochsprung. (ASRT) 
Paddler Jason Hochsprung finished the 2025 AL650 in 9 days, 20 hours and 55 minutes. (ASRT)
SLIDESHOW: Use the arrows to see images of the 2025 AL650 📸
Here is how you can follow the race and support the competitors:
- Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026: Be at Weiss Lake Boat Ramp for the 10AM start + head southwest to Buffalo Wild Wings in Gadsden for a watch party from 6-9PM, hosted by Greater Gadsden Tourism.
- Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026: Join fellow fans for a Watch Party at Logan Martin Dam from 1-6PM, hosted by the Logan Martin Lake Protection Association.
- Track the race virtually: Once the event begins, go to AL650.com for real-time tracking, including an app! Also, here’s where to follow live updates on socials:
- Throughout the race: Cheer for paddlers along the riverbanks in Gadsden, Pell City, Wetumpka, Montgomery, Selma, Fairhope + more.
- 🔥Tip: A few great spectator spots are Jordan Lake State Ramp + Bibb Graves Bridge in Wetumpka; Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma + The Fairhope Pier.
- For the wins: Follow your favorite racers to congratulate them at Fort Morgan Public Boat Launch.
Visit the ASRT AL650 website for more information + stay tuned via the official race + ASRT for coverage throughout the event.
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