The annual Hood to Coast relay race, often dubbed ‘The Mother of All Relays,’ faced unprecedented challenges this August as a scorching heatwave swept across Oregon. While thousands of participants embarked on the nearly 200-mile journey from Mount Hood to Seaside Beach, the intense Hood to Coast heat led to at least six hospitalizations and sparked a conversation about event safety in a warming climate. [17]
Oregon Swelters: The Extreme Heatwave Context
Oregonians braced themselves for what the National Weather Service declared an extreme heat warning for much of western Oregon and Southwest Washington, in effect through the weekend of the race. [3, 16] Temperatures in the Portland metro area hovered around triple digits on Friday, August 22, and Saturday, August 23, with forecasts predicting highs between 98 and 102 degrees Fahrenheit. [4, 17, 24] This made the 2025 event potentially the hottest in the 43-year history of the Hood to Coast Relay, surpassing the previous record of 97 degrees set in 2016. [4, 29]
Multnomah County, encompassing a significant portion of the race route, declared a state of emergency, highlighting the severity of the conditions. [5, 26] Public health officials issued urgent advisories, urging residents to limit outdoor activity and stay hydrated. [5, 14] The heatwave was not an isolated incident but part of a concerning trend; 2024 was recorded as the warmest year globally, building on the record-breaking heat of 2023, with the planet’s ten warmest years occurring in the last decade. [3]
Runners Confront the Challenge of Hood to Coast Heat
For the 19,000 runners and walkers participating, the heat added an arduous layer to an already demanding endurance event. [11, 24] Teams navigated varied terrain, from the initial descent from Timberline Lodge to the urban stretches of Portland and the cooler coastal finish. However, the midday legs, particularly in inland areas, proved brutal. [4, 17, 22]
One harrowing account came from Portland resident David Loftus, a runner over 50. Participating in Hood to Coast for the first time since 1992, Loftus experienced a stark difference in conditions. He recounted running his nearly 4-mile leg around 3:00 p.m. on Friday, the peak heat of the day, in east Portland. Despite hydrating and dousing himself with water, he lost consciousness shortly after passing the baton. A quick-thinking stranger caught him before he fell, and he was later hospitalized overnight for observation, thankfully making a full recovery. [17, 26, 27, 28]
Other runners also described the intense conditions. One competitor, preparing for their leg, joked, “I have sweat dripping down my butt crack right now.” Another, just finishing, called it “pretty brutal” but acknowledged the kindness of strangers offering sprinklers and water. [22, 24]
Organizer Measures and a Discrepancy in Medical Reports
Recognizing the extreme forecast, Hood to Coast organizers implemented extensive safety measures. They ramped up their preparations, stocking major exchanges with crucial resources such as cooling vests, ice, and cooling towels. [4, 9, 11, 24] More first responders and bike/motorcycle safety patrols were hired to actively monitor the course and address any medical emergencies. [4, 17, 24] Organizers also coordinated safety tips with Multnomah County and actively communicated with participants, emphasizing the importance of hydration, wearing light clothing, and slowing their pace. [11, 16]
Dan Floyd, Chief Operating Officer for Hood to Coast, stated that despite the challenging conditions, the total volume of security and medical calls for this year’s race was the lowest since 2021. [6, 17] He expressed satisfaction, noting, “It went better than I could have imagined.” [17]
However, data from the Multnomah County Health Department presented a contrasting picture. Brendon Haggerty, a Multnomah County Health Department official, reported a significant surge in heat-related emergency visits on Friday. Typically seeing one or no visits, the county recorded 16 such visits, with six directly attributed to Hood to Coast participants. 26, 27, 28, 31] This discrepancy raises questions about how medical incidents are recorded and highlights the need for a unified reporting system across event organizers and public health services, especially when facing extreme weather events. The county had previously mobilized cooling centers and made public transport accessible for those seeking relief, demonstrating the broader community’s response to the heat. For more on how the region prepared, read [Oregon Braces for Scorching Heat Wave: Communities Mobilize Cooling Centers as Temperatures Soar.
Navigating the Hood to Coast Heat: Proactive Steps for Runners
In light of the increasing frequency and intensity of heatwaves, preparing for events like Hood to Coast requires diligent individual responsibility alongside robust organizer support. Experts advise runners to start hydrating 2-3 days before the event, consume fluids consistently throughout the race, and replenish electrolytes. [4, 8, 19] Wearing lightweight, breathable, and light-colored clothing is crucial, as are frequent breaks in shaded areas and utilizing cooling aids like ice packs or wet towels. [4, 8, 12, 19]
Crucially, runners are urged to monitor their bodies closely, recognizing the signs of heat exhaustion (intense sweating, dizziness, nausea) and heat stroke (confusion, unconsciousness). [5, 16, 19, 25] Stopping immediately and seeking help are paramount. Multnomah County officials even suggested skipping legs during the hottest parts of the day as a viable safety option. [5] The importance of peer support cannot be overstated, with participants encouraged to check on teammates and other runners, offering assistance when needed. [4, 16]
The Future of Hood to Coast Heat Challenges in a Changing Climate
The 2025 Hood to Coast race serves as a stark reminder of the escalating challenges posed by climate change to outdoor endurance events. While organizers asserted their ability to delay, pause, or even cancel the race under dangerous heat conditions, logistical constraints often make such decisions difficult. [16, 23]
As heatwaves become more common and intense, event planners globally face the imperative to adapt and prioritize participant safety above all. 3, 7, 10, 25] This includes not only enhancing on-course medical provisions but also potentially re-evaluating race timings, routes to maximize shade, and fostering a culture of collective responsibility among participants. The lessons learned from this year’s Hood to Coast heat will undoubtedly shape future strategies for navigating extreme weather. This event highlights a broader trend affecting the entire region; for a comprehensive look at how heat waves are impacting the broader Western U.S., refer to [Western US Heat Wave Triggers Emergencies, Strains Services, and Highlights Climate Imperative. The balance between the allure of iconic races and the undeniable risks of a warming planet will continue to be a critical discussion for athletes, organizers, and public health officials alike.
