SAFETY

No traffic or police monitors are promised to protect runners and walkers from vehicular traffic along the course. Great care must be exercised at all times by participants and team vehicles. Participants must travel along the left road shoulder or sidewalk, and obey all Oregon traffic laws and signals.

Self-policing of our event is the reason we have an excellent history of lack of injuries or traffic-related mishaps. It is up to each of us to continue that tradition in order to ensure the future success of this great event!

Course Closure

The Race Course and Finish Area will close Saturday evening at 9:00 PM. Any teams still on the course at that time will be requested to either discontinue the race, or plan on finishing by having more than one teammate run at the same time, called "Leap Frogging," if deemed necessary by Race Officials. All teams are computer seeded to finish before the course officially closes, provided your team has supplied honest 10K times. Exchanges 33, 34, and 35 could begin to close before 9:00pm if crews have been instructed.

Reflective Gear

Participants and volunteers are required to wear a reflective vest and carry a flashlight, (or approved HTC/PTC Hat w/ Headlight) from 6pm-7am! It's helpful to change the standard flashlight bulb with a brighter one, and carry spare batteries in the team van.

Motorcycle Patrol

15 years ago, the first Rose City Motorcycle Club (RCMC) all night patrol of the Hood to Coast Relay was deployed. Over the years, RCMC has expanded to 42 riders, traveling from downtown Portland all the way to the Finish Line in Seaside. Each RCMC rider is a point of contact and communication for participants, including directions, and medical assistance. They are used for a variety of communications tasks and are invaluable in emergency situations.

When you see a RCMC motorcyclist on patrol, anytime from Friday, through sunrise Saturday morning, wearing their distinctive yellow reflective vest, remember that they are out there for you.  When your team van sees the motorcycle patrol, please slow down, move to the right, and allow them to pass. You might be the next person who needs their help.

Open Container Law

Oregon law states that no open containers of alcohol are permitted within vehicles. Please save the celebration for the Finish Beach Party. State Police spot these things quite easily, and history suggests they'll be watching again.

First Aid

It is the responsibility of each team vehicle to have an adequate first aid kit on board to treat blisters, abrasions, headaches, heat exhaustion, and other common ailments.  Most running injuries directly relate to soft tissue trauma and are effectively treated with ice.  We strongly suggest bringing a cooler filled with ice (remember R.I.C.E: Rest Ice Compression Elevation).

Communications

There will be a radio at every exchange point along the race course. If you see anyone in need of assistance, please get their race number, and if possible, let the Exchange Captain with a radio know at the next Exchange Point. They are capable of bringing in an ambulance or even LifeFlight if necessary.

Emergencies

In case of emergency, dial 911 anywhere along the course or contact the Exchange Captain (wearing a brightly colored 'Race Official' hat) at the next exchange.

Hydration

No aid stations are guaranteed along the course. There are some long sections of the route in the latter stages of the race where no available water sources exist. Be prepared. By mid-day, temperatures may be in the high 80's to low 90's. The most important step you can take during the race is to continuously hydrate (take in non-caffeinated fluids and water). Participants are strongly urged to carry large containers of water in team vehicles!  For people undertaking running or walking activities, 12-16 cups of water per day is recommended.