The Bowerman Rejects cross the finish line. Teams gather at the very end to run across the line with their anchor.
Bradley W. Parks / OPB
Hood to Coast, the largest relay race in the world, starts Friday morning ahead of the National Weather Service’s extreme heat warning for western Oregon and Southwest Washington.
Temperatures could reach up to 103 degrees Fahrenheit, putting runners at increased risk of overheating.
But Dan Floyd, the chief operating officer of Hood to Coast, said the relay organizers are prepared. Major race exchanges — where runners pass the baton to their teammates — will be stocked with cooling vests as well as ice, cooling towels and first aid.
He said there will also be a “command center” maintaining radio communication with emergency services across the entire 200-mile route. Relay teams will split up the race from the starting line at Timberline Lodge at Mount Hood to the finish line at Seaside Beach on the Oregon Coast.
Hood to Coast also coordinated safety tips with Multnomah County ahead of the heat wave. The county confirmed its first responders are ready, should the need arise.
If you are planning on running around this weekend. Be prepared for hot daytime temperatures. Know the signs of Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke. If you see or experience any signs or symptoms of Heat Exhaustion or Heat Stroke, don't hesitate to seek medical help. pic.twitter.com/If0Kw7tdjF
— NWS Portland (@NWSPortland) August 19, 2025
Brendon Haggerty with the county’s department of health said it’s important that runners stay hydrated, both for their own health and to be ready to act if another runner overheats.
“You can be part of the safety system if you’re aware of those signs and symptoms and able to call for help,” Haggerty said.
Symptoms of heat exhaustion include intense sweating, dizziness and nausea. Confusion and falling unconscious are signs of heat stroke and demand immediate medical attention.
Team leaders agreed: Collective safety is a top priority.
Harmeet Chopra leads the “Nike SCPT Speedsters.” Now going into his ninth race with Hood to Coast, he emphasized paying attention to other runners and offering them water when they seem dehydrated.
“Look out for everybody,” he said. “If anybody else also needs help, you should be able to kind of just stop or slow down and help runners out, because you may need the help in the next 20 minutes as well, right?”
That’s especially important during stretches like the Springwater Corridor, which are almost entirely unshaded, he said.
Joe Krajewski, who leads “Team Will Power,” said directly communicating with other runners is one way to be safe.
Krajewski also has five emergency room nurses on his team.
“We do have our own medical staff, so to speak,” he said laughing.
KGW reported this year could be the hottest Hood to Coast on record.
According to its 2025 handbook, Hood to Coast can delay, pause or cancel the race if heat conditions turn too dangerous. However, Floyd told OPB that Hood to Coast did not consider cancelling or changing the date of the race, citing logistical constraints.
“Rather, we strongly encourage participants to hydrate, slow their pace, and always seek help if they need it,” Floyd said in an email. “It’s going to be hot this year, but it’s going to be fun!”
