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Stand-up paddleboarders from around the world now have their sights set on one of the toughest endurance challenges in paddle sports: the 2026 Great Alabama 650. Entries for the next edition of this epic 650-mile race are officially open, and organisers are urging elite SUP athletes to throw their hats — and boards — into the ring.
Hosted by the Alabama Scenic River Trail (ASRT), the Great Alabama 650 is recognised as the longest paddle race in the United States, tracing the full length of the state’s iconic water trail. The 2026 race runs from October 3 to October 13, with paddlers tackling a monumental course that begins at Weiss Lake in northeast Alabama and finishes at Fort Morgan on Mobile Bay.
Racers have 10 days to complete the 650-mile route, which encompasses everything from whitewater rapids and flat lakes to winding river sections and the expansive Mobile-Tensaw delta before the final push across Mobile Bay. The varied water conditions reward strategic planning and physical versatility — and SUP competitors are fully welcome to enter alongside kayakers and canoeists.
Organisers stress the epic nature of the event, noting that this is as much a test of mental resilience as physical endurance. The course follows the core section of the Alabama Scenic River Trail, the longest National Water Trail in a single state, and includes numerous mandatory portages and checkpoints.
Registration Details & Race Criteria
Entries for the 2026 race opened on November 1, 2025, and will remain open until mid-August or until available slots are filled, at the discretion of the race director. Prospective competitors must have completed an approved qualifying race in the past five years, with options ranging from other long-distance paddles like the Texas Water Safari and SUP 11 City Tour to ultra-endurance classics such as the Yukon River Quest.
There’s a non-refundable entry fee of $500 USD, and competitors must register no later than 15 August 2026. With racing slots limited, early registration and proof of qualifying completion are key.
Divisions & Prizes
The race offers three competitive divisions — Male Solo, Female Solo, and Two-Person Teams — with each category awarding $2,000 USD to top finishers. SUP athletes can enter in the solo categories or as part of tandem teams, and are permitted to change craft type (e.g., from SUP to kayak) at designated support points throughout the course.
Why SUP-Focused Athletes Should Compete
For SUP racers seeking a true ultra-endurance challenge, the Alabama 650 offers a rare test of stamina, navigation, strategy, and adaptability. Past editions have drawn top paddlers from North America and Europe, with finishers logging times from four days + to the full 10-day window.
As the SUP racing calendar grows increasingly competitive, the Great Alabama 650 stands out as an event that rewards not just speed but endurance, preparation, and tenacity — qualities that define the next generation of stand-up paddle athletes.