Elmore County –The Elmore County Economic Development Authority (ECEDA) is pleased to announce it is hosting the Great Alabama 650, the longest paddle race in the United States. The Great Alabama 650 is an extraordinary adventure race that spans an impressive 650 miles over a ten-day period that tests racers along Alabama’s most diverse and challenging waterways. The race launches on Sept. 30 from Weiss Lake in the Northeast corner of Alabama, then travels through multiple cities like Centre, Cedar Bluff, Gadsden, Rainbow City, and Pell City before making its way to the Coosa River in Elmore County for the first checkpoint at Lake Jordan.

ECEDA invites everyone to follow the racers as they journey to Elmore County. The first racers could possibly start to arrive in Wetumpka during the early hours of Monday, Oct. 2.  “Come join us at the State Ramp at Lake Jordan to welcome these world-class athletes, or you can also come out to the Bibb Graves Bridge in Wetumpka to cheer them on,” said Lisa Van Wagner, Executive Director of ECEDA. Click the button below to track the race in real time.

At the Lake Jordan checkpoint, racers will be greeted with hand-painted paddles to commemorate their journey through the scenic landscapes of Elmore County. Each year, the art students at Wetumpka High School provide these unique, artistic paddles to serve as trophy keepsakes to the participants.

“The AL 650 is a unique, world-class event that gives us an opportunity to showcase Elmore County’s natural beauty, outdoor recreation opportunities, and our commitment to economic development in the region. We are excited to be a part of this incredible event and look forward to greeting the racers and their teams in the days to come.”

Check out this video of the AL650:

For more information about ECEDA and its sponsorship of The Great Alabama 650, please visit elmoreeda.com or contact Lisa Van Wagner at (334) 312-6886 or lisa.vanwagner@elmoreeda.com.