This weekend marks the running of the 33rd annual Hood to Coast relay, a 199-mile-long event which this year drew teams from all 50 states and 36 countries around the world. This premier event “sold out” on the first day of registration this year, and has met the team cap for the last 16 consecutive years. This year 1,050 teams were chosen in a lottery from over 3,000 applications, with 12,600 runners and walkers and over 3,600 volunteers. The first race, held in 1982, drew just eight teams. Teams consist of 8 to 12 members who divvy up the 36 legs of the course, which range from 4 to nearly 8 miles each. Although some serious, world-class runners take part, there is plenty of fun sprinkled in, with teams suited up in all manner of costumes. The course begins on Mt. Hood at the iconic Timberline Lodge and ends on the beach at Seaside. Start waves began at 6:30 a.m. Friday morning, with the last wave departing at 6:45 p.m. that evening. Two other races are folded into the main event: a 24-leg walk relay from downtown Portland to the coast, and a high school team challenge which also begins in Portland. Last year the Hood to Coast was won by the Nike Bowerman Athletic Club men’s team in 17 hours and 52 minutes, while the walkers made it 22 hours, 17 minutes and the high school champs finished at 13 hours, 33 minutes. All of that effort goes to support cancer research by the Providence Cancer Center. Last year over $800,000 was raised, and more is expected when all is said and done after this year’s race. For both the serious runner and the casual jogger who just wants to have fun and support a good cause, it’s a great way to end the summer! — Patty Vanikiotis, associate editor/copy editor