Hood to Coast 2025: Oregon’s Hottest Relay Ever from Mt. Hood to Seaside

PC: Teresa Mahoney | TheOregonian/OregonianLive

If you happened to drive along U.S. 26 or U.S. 30 yesterday, you probably saw a steady stream of vans plastered with team slogans and a lot of sweaty, smiling faces. Those were the brave souls tackling the 43rd annual Providence Hood to Coast and Portland to Coast relays, affectionately dubbed the Mother of All Relays. The race sends 8–12‑person teams on a 196‑mile journey from Timberline Lodge on Mt. Hood down to the sandy finish line in Seaside, while the Portland‑to‑Coast walk covers a shorter 128‑mile route. More than 19,000 runners and walkers from all 50 states and 40 countries were registered this year, making the 2025 event one of the largest in its history.

A Perfect Storm of Mileage and Mercury

August 22–23 in western Oregon usually brings warm days, but this weekend set a new bar. Forecasts called for triple‑digit temperatures, and the National Weather Service issued an Extreme Heat Warning. On race day, Portland’s high hit 100 °F, and towns along the course weren’t far behind One veteran participant, Rene Radillo, who has done the relay eight or nine times, summed it up best: “This is my 8th or 9th Hood to Coast, and it has never been this hot before”. Another runner named Whitney told KATU that she drenched her head under sprinklers during her leg and it dried out by the time she handed off the baton—a pretty good indicator of just how intense the sun felt.

Organizers and public‑health officials anticipated the heat. The Hood to Coast website had already warned that this year’s relay would be the hottest on record, advising teams to hydrate, slow down and focus on safety. Cooling stations, roaming first responders and “cold vests”—chemical‑reaction vests that can cool someone for about an hour without power or ice—were placed along the route. Officials even told teams they could skip legs if needed. At exchange points like Sandy High School, hoses, sprinklers and buckets of ice were everywhere. Runner Kami Persse described the midday stretch as brutal but said she couldn’t have finished without strangers spraying her down and offering water.

Community Spirit on Fire (Literally)

The extreme conditions might sound miserable, but the overwhelming vibe on the course was still celebration. Teams decorated their vans, donned costumes and blared music. KGW caught up with Dan Floyd, the race’s chief operating officer, who noted that sponsors supplied ice, cooling rags and vests and that roaming medical teams were on hand for any emergency. He reminded participants to “hydrate, slow the pace, have a great time”—sage advice when the tarmac feels like a griddle.

Along the course, businesses and residents turned into impromptu aid stations. In Sandy, local shops set out water bottles and turned on sprinklers to soak passing runners. Volunteers like Rene Radillo armed themselves with pump sprayers filled with cold water, dousing anyone who needed relief. MJ Jackson from the Deadstock Run Club openly admitted to soaking herself under every sprinkler she passed. And when Jackson spotted a fellow runner wobbling from the heat, she made them sit in the shade, handed over her Gatorade and reminded them that electrolytes are more important than ego. It was a moment that captured the spirit of this race—yes, it’s competitive, but above all it’s a community event where participants look out for one another.

As I was reflecting on the heat and grit of this year’s Hood to Coast, my mentor and friend Scott Bradley shared something that struck me deeply.

“Bitter sweet for me. Some somewhat teary moments for me last night for a life style long in the rear view mirror. I’m spared the emotion until I’m around events like this. I’ve gone from being recruited by winning teams to merely a volunteer. Long distance running defined my life for more than three decades.”

The Route, the Relay and Why It Matters

For the uninitiated, Hood to Coast isn’t just a long run; it’s an Oregon institution. Since its founding in 1982, the event has sold out for 37 straight years and is considered the largest running and walking relay in the world. Teams of up to 12 rotate through 36 “legs”, handing off a slap‑band baton at each exchange. Start times are staggered from 2 a.m. to 2 p.m., which means runners are on the road around the clock, logging miles by headlamp and sunrise alike. Roughly 51 % of participants are female, and most runners are between 30 and 60 years old. Beyond the personal challenge, the relay is a major fundraiser for Providence Cancer Institute; last year’s race raised $940,000, and the 2025 goal was $1 million.

From a geographical standpoint, the route is a love letter to Oregon. It starts high on the slopes of Mt. Hood, descends through forests and farmland into Portland, then follows the Columbia River west toward Scappoose and Astoria before arriving at Seaside’s broad beach. When teams finally hit the finish arch and sprint across the sand, they’ve covered nearly 200 miles of mountains, valleys, towns and coastlines. There’s no more fitting way to celebrate than diving into the frigid Pacific (which, frankly, feels like heaven after running through 100 °F heat).

Reflections from Vancouver and Tips for Next Year

Watching this year’s relay unfold from our side of the Columbia River, two things stand out: Oregonians’ resilience and their hospitality. Yes, it was sweltering. Yes, runners joked about sweat “dripping down my butt”. But there were smiles, laughter and spontaneous dance parties at exchange points. Communities like Sandy and Boring turned into roadside cooling zones. Even folks from Vancouver who drove over to cheer felt the contagious energy.

If you’re thinking about signing up for Hood to Coast 2026, start training early and respect the elements. Hydrate days in advance, run with a hat and sunglasses, slather on sunscreen, and remember that it’s okay to slow down. The official handbook notes that each team member usually runs three legs, but there’s no shame in swapping or skipping if your body can’t handle the heat. As MJ Jackson wisely said, “Ask yourself, do I really need to push harder, or will I have a better overall experience if I chill out for a second?”. Your next leg (and your teammates) will thank you.

Why It Matters for the Couve

While the relay technically starts and ends in Oregon, its footprint touches Southwest Washington in a big way. Many Vancouver residents participate in the race, and the event’s fundraising arm benefits regional healthcare. More importantly, Hood to Coast embodies the Pacific Northwest ethos—community, adventure and an appreciation for our incredible landscapes. At Explore The Couve, we’re all about celebrating local experiences that bring people together. Whether you’re cheering on runners, volunteering at a water station, or just offering a smile and a hose, you’re part of what makes this corner of the world special.

Bottom line? Mother Nature turned up the heat, but the Mother of All Relays kept on rolling. Here’s to cooler temps next year—and maybe a spot in a van for those of us who watched from the sidelines this time.