Florence man wins 650-mile kayak race across Alabama
Imagine the thrill of paddling through 650 miles of Alabama waterways, facing challenging conditions, and coming out victorious. That’s exactly what Florence man Trey Reaves accomplished when he won the 2023 Great Alabama 650 kayak race.
Over the course of six days, one hour, and 39 minutes, Reaves navigated his kayak from Weiss Lake to Mobile Bay, becoming the first Alabama resident to win this grueling competition. The race, organized by the nonprofit organization Alabama Scenic River Trail, showcases the state’s waterways and promotes tourism and recreation.
Reaves’ success wouldn’t have been possible without the unwavering support of his wife, Alicia, who played a crucial role in providing him with food, gear, and emotional support throughout the race. This incredible achievement truly exemplifies the spirit of determination and camaraderie.
Overview
In Alabama, a thrilling and challenging race takes place every year, showcasing the beauty of the state’s waterways and the determination of its participants. The Great Alabama 650 is a 650-mile kayak race that begins in northeast Alabama and finishes on Mobile Bay. This article will delve into the race details, highlight the winner’s accomplishment, discuss the challenging nature of the race, explore the organizing nonprofit, introduce previous winners, share unique moments in the race, and provide updates on the remaining racers.
Race Details
Race Location
The Great Alabama 650 starts in the northeastern section of Weiss Lake northeast of Gadsden, Alabama. From there, participants paddle their way through various waterways, including rivers, lakes, and bays, until they reach the finish line at Fort Morgan.
Race Duration
The race spans a distance of 650 miles, and participants must complete it within a certain time frame. This year, the race started on Saturday, September 30, and concluded on Friday, with racers given six days and one hour to finish.
Number of Participants
A total of 19 entrants, including both tandem teams and solo paddlers, embarked on the challenge of the Great Alabama 650. However, due to the race’s demanding nature, eight participants had to drop out by Monday, which demonstrates the difficulty and intense competition of the event.
Winner’s Accomplishment
Trey Reaves Wins the Race
The winner of this year’s Great Alabama 650 is Trey Reaves from Florence, Alabama. Reaves emerged victorious after six days, one hour, and 39 minutes of paddling through challenging waters. His triumph makes him the first-ever Alabama resident to win the race, adding a remarkable achievement to his name.
Time Taken to Finish
Reaves’ endurance and determination led him to complete the 650-mile race in an impressive time of six days, one hour, and 39 minutes. This highlights his exceptional physical and mental strength, as well as his relentless pursuit of success.
First Alabama Resident to Win
Reaves’ victory not only secured him a place in Great Alabama 650 history but also made him the first Alabama resident to win the race. His accomplishment serves as an inspiration to fellow Alabamians and showcases the local talent and dedication present within the state.
Challenging Nature of the Race
High Drop-out Rate
The Great Alabama 650 is not for the faint of heart. With a demanding course and unpredictable water conditions, it’s no surprise that eight out of the 19 participants had to drop out of the race by Monday. This illustrates the race’s challenging and grueling nature, pushing participants to their limits.
Video of Trey Reaves Finishing the Race
A video posted on the event’s Facebook page captures the moment when Trey Reaves completed the race. In the heartwarming footage, Reaves is seen receiving a big hug from his wife, Alicia Reaves, even before stepping out of his kayak at the finish line. This emotional scene showcases the sheer dedication and support that racers, like Reaves, receive from their loved ones throughout the race.
Importance of Support Crew
Racers heavily rely on their support crews to provide them with the necessary resources and emotional support during the race. Reaves expressed his gratitude to his wife, Alicia, for going above and beyond to support him during the 650-mile journey. Her unwavering dedication and selflessness contributed significantly to Reaves’ success, highlighting the crucial role support crews play in ensuring racers’ well-being and performance.
Organizing Nonprofit
Alabama Scenic River Trail
The Great Alabama 650 is presented by the nonprofit organization, Alabama Scenic River Trail (ASRT). The ASRT’s mission is to raise awareness about the state’s waterways, promote them as valuable tourism and recreational resources, and advocate for improved access for paddlers. The race serves as a means to showcase the beauty and potential of Alabama’s waterways.
Mission and Goals
The ASRT aims to preserve and protect Alabama’s rivers, enhance recreational opportunities, and promote responsible stewardship of the state’s water resources. By organizing events like the Great Alabama 650, the nonprofit creates opportunities for individuals to connect with nature, challenge themselves, and form a deeper appreciation for Alabama’s natural wonders.
Previous Winners
Bobby Johnson’s Achievements
Bobby Johnson, a previous participant, has left a lasting mark on the Great Alabama 650. Having emerged as the event winner in both 2019 and 2022, Johnson’s consistency and determination showcase his exceptional paddling skills and endurance. His achievements in the race have cemented his place in its history.
Salli O’Donnell’s Achievements
Salli O’Donnell, another remarkable racer, holds a significant position in the Great Alabama 650’s records. O’Donnell has been the top solo female finisher in every edition of the race, coming in second or third overall each time. Additionally, she holds the record for the fastest solo female finish, achieved in 2021 with a time of four days, 22 hours, and 25 minutes.
Unique Moments in the Race
John Knippers’ Stand-up Paddleboard Finish
John Knippers made history during this year’s Great Alabama 650 by becoming the first person to finish the race using a stand-up paddleboard. This incredible achievement demonstrates the diverse skills and abilities of participants, as well as their innovative approaches to completing the rigorous course.
Rough and Windy Conditions on Mobile Bay
Throughout the race, participants faced challenging conditions, particularly on Mobile Bay. The rough and windy conditions tested the endurance and skill of racers, pushing them to their limits as they battled the elements. Their perseverance and determination in such adverse conditions make their accomplishments even more impressive.
Other Finishers
2 Stroke Racing Team (Matt Taylor/Myles Sumerlin)
Finishing fourth overall and securing first place in the tandem team category, the 2 Stroke Racing Team, consisting of Matt Taylor and Myles Sumerlin, conquered the demanding 650-mile race. Their synchronized efforts and remarkable teamwork allowed them to achieve an outstanding result.
German Competitor Mirko Prufer
German competitor Mirko Prufer was impressed with his performance, securing the fifth position overall and claiming third place in the male solo category. Prufer’s international participation adds a global dimension to the Great Alabama 650 and showcases its appeal to paddlers from around the world.
Ryan Gillikin and Rod Price
In sixth place overall and securing second place in the tandem category, Ryan Gillikin and Rod Price displayed their skills and determination throughout the race. Their remarkable partnership and ability to navigate the challenging course in sync contributed to their successful finish.
Chuck Scheidt of Texas
Chuck Scheidt from Texas achieved an impressive fourth place in the male solo category, emphasizing the reach and appeal of the Great Alabama 650 beyond state borders. Scheidt’s strong finish highlights the diverse range of participants that the race attracts.
Brendan Forshee of Missouri
Brendan Forshee, representing Missouri, secured fifth place in the male solo category. His determination and endurance allowed him to overcome the race’s challenges and earn his position among the top finishers.
John Knippers’ Paddleboard Finish
In addition to his groundbreaking stand-up paddleboard finish, John Knippers secured ninth place overall and became the first-ever paddleboard finisher in the Great Alabama 650’s history. Knippers’ achievement adds uniqueness and diversity to the race, showcasing the variety of ways participants can conquer the 650-mile challenge.
Remaining Racers
Brad Friesen’s Progress
Among the remaining racers, Brad Friesen from Canada demonstrated progress along the Fort Morgan peninsula. Friesen’s determination and perseverance, despite the challenging course, show his commitment to finishing the race within the allotted time frame.
Christian Logan’s Progress
Another racer, Christian Logan, was making his way across I-10 at the top of Mobile Bay. Logan’s progress displays his unwavering dedication and striving to reach the finish line before the specified deadline. The remaining racers continue to push their limits and showcase their strengths as they approach the end of the race.
Race Updates and Coverage
For real-time updates, images, and videos of the Great Alabama 650, interested individuals can visit the event’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/GreatAlabama650 and its Instagram page at www.instagram.com/greatalabama650. These platforms provide comprehensive coverage of the race, allowing spectators to follow along and experience the excitement and challenges firsthand.
In conclusion, the Great Alabama 650 showcases the determination, endurance, and spirit of participants as they navigate the state’s vast waterways in an intense kayak race. It celebrates the remarkable accomplishments of winners like Trey Reaves, highlights the challenging nature of the race, and provides a platform for participants to showcase their abilities and bravery. Through the efforts of the organizing nonprofit, Alabama Scenic River Trail, the event promotes the beauty of Alabama’s waterways and encourages responsible stewardship. The Great Alabama 650 is not only a thrilling race but also a testament to the human spirit and the wonders of Alabama’s natural landscapes.
