Runners lace up for Hood to Coast relay
      06:24 PM PDT on Friday, August 25, 2006
      By SEAN JACKS, kgw.com staff
       
      More than 16,000 runners and walkers were hitting the pavement for the 25th annual Hood to Coast Relay that runs Friday morning through Saturday night. 

       
      Hood to Coast Relay

      Two runners jog along the road, putting Mt. Hood behind them.
      It's billed as the largest relay race in North America and one of the most popular. The relay began as a friendly competition between ultramarathon runner Bob Foote and his friends. Now it features 12-person relay teams from around the world. 


      The running relay stretches 197 miles, from Oregon's Mt. Hood to the Pacific Coast. It begins Friday morning at the Timberline Lodge and ends Saturday evening in Seaside. The walking relay and High School Challenge spans 127 miles, from Portland to Seaside. 

      More than 12,000 runners and 4,800 walkers were signed up for the event. Some participants do it for the challenge, or to achieve personal fitness goals. Others participate to raise money for charity or to have fun with family and friends. 

        Click here to share your Hood to Coast photos 

      Registration is closed, but people can still cheer on the relay participants. Alcohol will not be allowed on the course. Teams found in violation risk disqualification and a possible ban from the race the following year. 

      Bonus:
       
      Click here to see Hood to Coast photos submitted by kgw.com viewers 
      There will be a huge celebration at the finish line in Seaside. Organizers have planned a beach party with live entertainment, food booths, and fireworks. 


      (kgw.com reporter Teresa Bell also contributed to this article.)