Hood to Coast runners get rained on at the starting line

PORTLAND, Ore. - The 30th annual Hood to Coast relay race kicked off before dawn on Friday and Mother Nature had some surprises for everyone at the starting line.

The skies opened up but despite a downpour, the largest relay race in the world goes on no matter what and runners know that.

"You just have to change your perspective," said runner Cheyenne Ward. "Running in the rain can be pretty fun at times."

So off they went to start the first leg. This year over 20,000 people signed up for the Hood to Coast. There are people from all 50 states and from over 35 countries participating. And there are over 4,000 volunteers helping out.

Hood to Coast Facts

• The total distance for those running from Mount Hood to Seaside is 200 miles.
• The total distance for those starting in Portland is 130 miles.
• There will be 502 Honey Buckets along the route. In the past, there have been complaints about participants going to the bathroom on the side of roads or on people's property.
• Over 100 Ham Radio operators will create the largest communication network for any race in the world.
• The Hood to Coast sells out on opening day of registration and has to turn away over 1,000 teams.
• This year's charity partner is The American Cancer Society.

New This Year

• There will be a 30th anniversary fireworks display in Seaside on Saturday, August 27.
• For the first time, there will be recycling at every exchange. Organizers are hoping to recycle over 100,000 water bottles.
• The Hood to Coast movie will be sold at the finish party on Saturday. You can also buy the movie online.
  

Watch the Movie Trailer