Key race info
The course
The official route is published as a live map layer and is the authority on both the line and the mileage. Where a write-up disagrees, the map is correct.
- Distance
- 1,565 miles
- Time limit
- 192 hours
- Start
- Harriet Island, Saint Paul, Minnesota
- Finish
- Dauphin Island Marina, Mobile Bay, Alabama
The legs
- 01
Mississippi River
Southbound from Harriet Island through the upper river locks.
- 02
Ohio River
Turn upstream near Cairo, Illinois — the first leg against the current.
- 03
Tennessee River
Transition near Paducah, Kentucky.
- 04
Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway
Entered via Yellow Creek at Pickwick Lake.
- 05
Tombigbee River
South through Demopolis, Alabama.
- 06
Mobile River & Mobile Bay
The final tidal leg — wind, chop and open exposure to the finish.
Below is the official 1,565 Mile TGARR course.
View the full interactive route in Google Maps or Google Earth.
Official Course Outline:
The Great American River Race (TGARR) follows a continuous inland-water route that stitches together America’s most storied rivers and waterways—testing navigation, endurance, and judgment from start to finish.
Mississippi River Start at Harriet Island in Saint Paul, MN and run southbound.
Ohio River In Cairo,IL turn upstream onto the Ohio River.
Tennessee River Near Paducah,KY transition from the Ohio River onto the Tennessee River.
Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway (Tenn-Tom) At Pickwick Lake, enter the Tenn-Tom via Yellow Creek look for Grand Harbor Resort & Marina.
Tombigbee River Proceed south as the Tenn-Tom transitions into the Tombigbee River near Demopolis, AL.
Mobile River & Mobile Bay Follow the Tombigbee into the Mobile River and onward into Mobile Bay where tides, wind, and exposure add a final layer of challenge.
Finish — Dauphin Island Cross Mobile Bay and finish at Dauphin Island Marina —mission complete!
Live boat positions and standings appear on the tracker once the race is under way.
Go to the tracker