Qualifying Races

Racers must have finished one of the following qualifying races within the last 5 years and must have competed in a solo or two-person tandem in the qualifying race. If you sign up for the 2025 AL650, you must show proof of completion of one of the qualifying races prior to the race start. You may sign up for AL650 when registration opens and then complete a qualifier prior to the start of our race, but there is no refund if you do not meet this requirement. You must complete the qualifying race you declare no later than August 15th in order to compete in the 2025 AL650. The race director reserves the right to accept or deny any applicant during the registration process for any reason.

R2AK - USA (no sails)
Yukon 1000 - Canada/USA
Yukon River Quest - Canada
Everglades Challenge (paddle only, no sails) - USA
Suwanee 230 - USA
Massive Murray Paddle - Australia
Texas Water Safari - USA
La Ruta Maya Belize River Challenge - Belize
Devizes to Westminster International Canoe Marathon - UK
Loire 725 - France
Mississippi 150 - USA
Berg River Canoe Marathon - South Africa
Last Paddler Standing (30 loops minimum) - USA
MR340 (60-hour finish or faster) - USA
Dusi Canoe Marathon (non-stop version only) - South Africa
Au Sable Canoe Marathon - USA
SUP 11 City Tour - Netherlands
Kingston to Ottawa (200K distance only) - Canada
Tour du Teche - USA

Registration

Registration will close when a number of boats at the discretion of the RD sign up.
Each registered boater will be required to show proof to the race director of a completed qualifying race prior to August 15, 2025.
There will be slots allocated per class.
No refund will be provided unless the race is cancelled. In the event of cancellation, racers will be given the option of a refund or deferral to 2026. No exceptions to this rule. Don't sign up unless you fully intend to do this race.

Additional Rules

Note: The organizers reserve the right to refuse your application or entry at any time; particularly, if there are any safety doubts with teams or racers, or the rules are being negated.

All teams and racers must attend the pre-race gear inspection and brief on Friday, October 3, 2025. Time and location will be emailed to all participants approximately 2 months before the race.

The race will begin at 10 AM, Saturday, October 4. The race will be a shotgun start for all racers. Racers will then have 10 days to complete the race along the Alabama Scenic River Trail.

The race is crew supported. Racers may meet crew throughout the race at portage spots and pullouts. This assistance may include restocking of food and supplies, setting up camp, and changing out watercraft. Racers must have at least one person act as crew throughout the race. NO EXCEPTIONS.  Racers are only allowed to use the following non-motorized watercraft: kayak, canoe, or SUP. Racers are allowed to change watercraft throughout the race. No peddle, motor or sail power is allowed. Crew are not allowed on the water in the vicinity during the race and can only assist racers on land.

Racers are the only ones allowed in watercraft at any time and must complete all sections of the course.

All visas are the responsibility of the racers and must be produced at the pre-race inspection.

Racers must ensure they have personal insurance coverage for the race.  The organizers are not responsible for any emergency medical response or medical coverage.  

Racers must carry at least one cell phone and must provide the race with an emergency contact, including phone and email addresses.

Racers will be outfitted with SPOT trackers and must keep them on throughout the race. If a SPOT tracker is damaged or destroyed, the racer is responsible for the cost associated.

Organizers will provide an online map for pre-race study, as well as maps for pickup at the pre-race meeting, but organizers are not responsible for your navigation or abilities to navigate.

Racers must have a GPS device capable of displaying the race provided GPX file. Racers must be proficient in its use.

All racers are to ensure they have the organizers' cell/mobile phone number saved in the event of post-emergency extraction contact.  Racer and crew cell phone numbers must also be provided to the race organizers at the event. This will be issued at the pre-race meeting.

The Race

All racers must comply with local law as it relates to life vests. Race organizers may require the wearing of vests during certain sections of the race.

Racers are responsible for their own accurate time management.  You have 10 days to complete this race.

Racers must ensure all campfires are put out and trash collected before leaving rest points.

Racers must support each other if possible in the event of an emergency – any unsportsmanlike behavior with regards to safety will result in disqualification and forfeit of any prize money.

If a racer or crew use the SPOT tracker to signal an emergency, the racer is disqualified. If the racer or crew contact race officials about elements of the race that provide an unfair advantage or are information provided prior to race start then the racer is disqualified.

The race director has the right to disqualify or pull any racer from the race at any time at the director's discretion. The race director may also cancel the race at any time for any reason, particularly if the safety of the racers is in question.

End of Race

Racers will finish at Fort Morgan in Mobile Bay. Race organizers will retrieve SPOT trackers upon completion. If SPOT trackers are damaged, racers must reimburse the race for the cost.

Racers are responsible for their own travel plans after the race.

Please ensure you allow yourself enough time to catch your exit flight.

Required Gear List

Kayak, Canoe, and/or SUP. You may change out vessels during the race

Paddles + spare 

Cell phone with GPS capability – Containing emergency numbers

Spot tracker (provide by race)

Mapping and hard copy of race rules 

Food - Up to 10 days worth but you will be able to restock along the route if you wish.

Water

Garbage bag

Life jacket – Each racer must carry a U.S. Coast Guard-approved Personal Flotation Device (PFD). 

1 x USCG approved Beacon Strobe Light

Marine Navigation Lights (Bow and Stern Navigation Lights)

1 x Whistle

1 x pack of waterproof, windproof matches or suitable fire starting kit

1 x Knife

One emergency space bivvy sack per person. (Foil blanket)  

Waterproof jacket per person

Water-resistant electric torch showing a white light + spare batteries

Medical Kit – (appropriate emergency first aid kit)

Sunscreen

Spare dry clothing 

Cooking equipment

Sleeping bag 

24 Lithium AAA batteries

Suggested Gear List  

1 x credit card per team (minimum $1000 limit in case of emergency medical costs)

Warm jacket

1 x tent

Sunglasses

Hat

Sat Phone

Duct Tape

Water purifying filter or tablets