The 44th Annual Hood to Coast Relay race took place early Saturday morning, August 29, at Seaside Beach, drawing thousands of participants and spectators. Known as the "Mother of all Relays," this iconic event has become a staple in the running community, attracting around 20,000 runners and walkers from across the globe.
Each year, the Hood to Coast Relay and the Portland to Coast Walk Relay bring together participants from all 50 states and over 40 countries. The race begins at Timberline Lodge on Mt. Hood and spans a total distance of 199 miles for the Hood to Coast runners. In contrast, the Portland to Coast Walk Relay covers a shorter distance of 128 miles. While the event features competitive elements, it primarily emphasizes camaraderie and fun, as teams of 12 take turns running or walking the course.
Since 2014, the Providence Cancer Institute has been the primary beneficiary of the fundraising efforts associated with the Hood to Coast and Portland to Coast events. Over the years, participants and volunteers have collectively raised more than $9.4 million, with all proceeds dedicated to cancer research, treatment, and support services in Oregon. This charitable aspect adds a significant layer of purpose to the race, encouraging participants to engage in a healthy activity while supporting a vital cause.
As the sun rose on Saturday, Seaside locals were greeted by the sound of enthusiastic runners as they arrived at the beach around 6:30 a.m. Many participants showcased their creativity by donning amusing and themed costumes, while spectators lined the route, cheering and waving signs to support their favorite teams. The event marks the last major gathering of the year for the Seaside community before the onset of fall and winter.
Once all teams crossed the finish line, a celebration ensued. The day was particularly notable for team Lost Boys, who claimed victory in the Men’s Open division with an impressive finishing time of 17:27:38, achieving a race pace of 5:20 per mile. Co-founded by marathoner Tim Rossi, the Lost Boys not only secured the win but also shattered their previous course record set in 2024, finishing over a minute faster this year.
They were joined by several other teams that also performed exceptionally well, with six teams completing the course at a pace faster than the 5:40 mile pace established by the Lost Boys in 2024. Team DDMF TC finished in second place with a time of 17 hours and 48 minutes, while the Bowerman Track Club took first in the Mixed Corporate Open division, clocking in at 17 hours and 57 minutes.
In the Women’s Open Division, team VO2 Min triumphed with a time of 21 hours and 20 seconds, narrowly defeating team Doja, who finished just four seconds later at 21 hours and 24 seconds. Both teams displayed remarkable endurance, with VO2 Min maintaining a pace of 6:31 per mile compared to Doja's 6:33.
In the Portland to Coast Walking Relay, team Loud and Proud emerged victorious in the Men's Open Division, completing the course in 23 hours and 57 minutes. Other notable performances included Reshod Squad, who won the Mixed Submasters division, and Stale Buns, who took the Mixed Masters title. The Women’s Open division saw team Manic Mommies finish first with a time of 26 hours and 23 minutes.
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