𝐄𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐩𝐚𝐝𝐝𝐥𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐬𝐞𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐂𝐨𝐨𝐬𝐚, 𝐀𝐥𝐚𝐛𝐚𝐦𝐚 𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝟔𝟓𝟎-𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐞 𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐞

Twenty-five endurance paddlers from North America and Europe will soon pass through Elmore County as they take on the seventh edition of the Great Alabama 650, a 650-mile adventure race that cuts through some of the state’s most scenic and challenging waterways.

The race begins Oct. 4 at Weiss Lake in northeast Alabama and concludes 10 days later at Fort Morgan on Mobile Bay. Along the route, paddlers will tackle nine dams and a mix of flat water, whitewater, and bay conditions. A major stretch of the course runs through Elmore County. The first racers are expected to reach our area late Sunday evening, October 5, and into the early hours of Monday morning, October 6, with all paddlers given up to 10 days to complete the course.

Racers compete for top spots in three divisions, male solo, female solo, and tandem team, with strict endurance rules. Each athlete must have previously completed a qualifying race and bring a support crew. With only 4 hours and 45 minutes of mandatory downtime allowed across the entire race, competitors face both mental and physical challenges.

Participants can also switch between kayaks, canoes, or stand-up paddleboards as the water changes — a unique feature of the event.

“Elmore County is proud to play a part in such a world-class event,” said Lisa Van Wagner, Executive Director of the Elmore County Economic Development Authority. “This race not only showcases the beauty of our waterways but also brings visitors from across the globe, which has a direct impact on our local communities and economy.”

About half of this year’s field are returning racers, according to organizers.