We ran Oregon’s most famous 200-mile relay race. Here’s what it’s like

“But why would you do that?” is the question runners most often get when describing Hood to Coast.

Running roughly 200 miles, even as a group, admittedly sounds a little crazy – even to fellow runners.

The Hood to Coast relay, though, has become an iconic Pacific Northwest event, drawing runners from around the world and spawning countless similar relays.

In 1982, Bob Foote and a handful of friends decided to take on a new running challenge – could they make it from the top of Mount Hood all the way to the Oregon coast?

According to the Hood to Coast website, when “word eventually got out of the adventurous Hood To Coast Relay Bob and his friends would do each year… the race began to take on a life of its own.”

These days the relay is “the most popular and largest running and walking relay race in the world, annually drawing participants from over 40 countries and all 50 states,” according to the website.

Interest is so high, participation in the event is only available by lottery.

It’s a bucket list event on par, for many runners, with completing a full marathon.

So, what’s it like to actually participate? It’s challenging – weather conditions can be extreme, there are a lot of hills, you run at odd hours and don’t get much sleep – and, yet, hundreds of people return to do it year after year. There’s something satisfying about the relay, and working as a team with other runners, that keeps people coming back.

Here’s a recap of the race, following the 2023 team sponsored by Here is Oregon:

This year was hot and hazy – thanks to a brief heatwave and lingering wildfire smoke. Heat and poor air quality make for uncomfortable running conditions, but cool and clearer nights along the nearly 200-mile course made up for it.

Not a runner? That’s okay. The HTC race series also offers an option for walking teams – the slightly shorter, 128-mile Portland to Coast.

READ MORE:

How to climb Mount St. Helens during peak season

How to run Hood to Coast relay: Peak Northwest podcast

Climbing to the summit of South Sister: Peak Northwest podcast