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Paddle boat race crosses finish line in Alabama

APR

There are some tired boaters in south Alabama today. The world’s longest paddle race wrapped up yesterday in Fort Morgan.

Racers started out in North Alabama, near Fort Payne to undertake a 650 mile journey south along the Alabama Scenic River Trail. 

Greg Wingo is the Race Director of The Great Alabama 650. He said competitors come from out of state and internationally, but all of them experience a little southern hospitality. 

“Every single racer that comes and does this race is blown away by how many people that live along the race route on those rivers and lakes will come out and cheer them on, and they don’t normally have spectators like we have," he said. "Great credit to the people of Alabama that are really getting excited and behind this race.” 

The journey can take up to 10 days. 

This year, the winners were Paul Cox and Joe Mann. The team made it to Fort Morgan in just under five days.  They averaged over 140 miles per day. 

Connor Todd is a news intern for Alabama Public Radio.
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