If your ideal Saturday includes both a paddle on the Tennessee River and a run along the greenway, the 2026 Ditto Dash has you covered.
Registration is now open for the 2026 Ditto Dash, a unique endurance race that challenges participants to kayak around Hobbs Island before lacing up for a 5K run along the Tennessee River Greenway.
Scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 19, the event is a collaborative effort between Ditto Landing, the Singing River Trail and the Tennessee RiverLine to highlight the growing connection between North Alabama’s trail system and its waterways.
Organizers say the race is designed to showcase how outdoor recreation can strengthen communities while encouraging participants to experience two of the region’s most popular natural assets in a single event.
Participants will begin with an approximately five-mile paddle around Hobbs Island before transitioning to a 5K run through Ditto Landing, finishing back at Kingston Pavilion.
The race is open to individuals, who will complete both portions of the course, or two-person relay teams consisting of one kayaker and one runner.
Check-in begins at 6:30 a.m., with the race starting at 8 a.m. from the East Boat Launch. Awards and special presentations are scheduled for noon at Kingston Pavilion.
Registration is $25 per participant.
A limited number of Tennessee RiverLine kayaks will be available for participants to borrow.
Kayakers must be at least 18 years old and complete a water safety course on the morning of the event before starting the race. Organizers also note there will be no event-day registration, and strollers and pets are not permitted.
Proceeds from the Ditto Dash will benefit Tennessee RiverLine, Singing River Trail and Ditto Landing, supporting efforts to expand outdoor recreation opportunities and strengthen regional trail and waterway connections.
More information, including registration and sponsorship opportunities, is available online.
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