PORTLAND, Oregon — The picturesque journey from Mount Hood to the Pacific Coast is set to become an unprecedented test of endurance this weekend as the oregon Hood to Coast (HTC) relay race, along with its companion Portland to Coast (PTC) walking relay, anticipates potentially record-breaking temperatures. Organizers and public health officials are issuing urgent warnings and implementing extensive safety measures for the thousands of participants embarking on the nearly 200-mile odyssey.
The 43rd running of “The Mother of All Relays,” scheduled for Friday, August 22, and Saturday, August 23, 2025, is poised to challenge its 1982 inception records. Forecasts indicate that parts of Western Oregon, particularly the Portland metro area, could experience temperatures exceeding 100 degrees Fahrenheit, with Saturday potentially reaching 101-103 degrees. This could surpass the event’s previous high of 97 degrees, set in 2016, and even challenge Portland’s August 1988 record of 102 degrees.
Unprecedented Heat Advisory
The National Weather Service has issued an Extreme Heat Watch for extensive areas of Western Oregon, effective from Friday morning through Sunday evening. An Excessive Heat Warning is also in place for Southwest Oregon, with the potential for a multi-day heat event stretching into next week – a rare occurrence for late August, when extreme temperatures are typically less common.
This extreme weather forecast has prompted significant concern among public health authorities. Brendon Haggerty, an official with the Multnomah County Health Department, highlighted the severe risks. “In an event like this where it stays hot at night and lasts for days and days, that’s when all of us can start to have real vulnerability to heat illness, and even death,” he stated. Vulnerable populations, including older adults and pregnant individuals, face heightened risks.
Extensive Safety Protocols in Place
In response to the dire forecast, Hood to Coast organizers are rolling out a comprehensive array of safety protocols. Dan Floyd, Chief Operating Officer for the Hood to Coast relay, emphasized the paramount importance of participant preparedness. “Most importantly, we are reminding participants to run/walk with hydration, wear light and breathable clothing, and slow their pace,” Floyd urged.
Key safety measures include providing cooling vests at all major exchanges and ensuring ice and cooling towels are available at every exchange point along the course. Additionally, bike security teams and first responders will be actively patrolling the entire 200-mile route, maintaining radio communication with a central command center and emergency services. The 2025 race handbook explicitly grants organizers the authority to delay, pause, or even cancel the event if heat conditions become too hazardous. However, organizers have cited logistical constraints as a reason for not considering cancellation or date changes, instead focusing on mitigating risks through rigorous participant precautions.
Teams are being encouraged to embrace a collective responsibility for life and leisure safety. Participants are advised to consistently check on teammates, ensuring adequate hydration, nutrition, and rest. Flexibility in running schedules, including switching or skipping legs if a team member feels unwell, is strongly recommended.
Route Challenges and Community Impact
The nearly 19,000 runners and walkers, hailing from all 50 states and 40 countries, will traverse diverse terrain, from the alpine start at Timberline Lodge, through urban Portland, and across the Coast Range to Seaside Beach. While early morning start times offer some reprieve from the peak heat, particularly at the higher elevations near Mount Hood (forecasted highs of 92 degrees in Deschutes County), temperatures will soar significantly as runners reach the Willamette Valley. Even the coastal finish line in Seaside, typically cooler, is expected to reach 75-80 degrees by Saturday afternoon.
The massive influx of participants and their support vehicles will inevitably lead to substantial traffic impacts. Motorists can expect congestion along Highway 26 and significant delays at major exchange points like Sandy High School, OMSI in Portland, and the Columbia County Fairgrounds, as well as around the Seaside finish line.
Broader Regional Heatwave Concerns
The Hood to Coast event is taking place amidst a broader regional heatwave that raises concerns beyond just the race. Multnomah County officials are collaborating with event organizers to ensure first responders are prepared. Communities across Oregon are preparing for the heat, with plans to open cooling centers if needed, and services like 211info.org extending their hours. State officials are also urging residents to conserve energy to prevent strain on the power grid.
This news serves as a stark reminder of the increasing frequency of extreme weather events, with 2024 and 2023 holding records for the warmest years globally. As runners prepare to face what could be the hottest Hood to Coast in its history, the emphasis remains firmly on personal responsibility, team support, and adherence to safety guidelines to ensure a successful and healthy race for all involved.
