Portland to Coast Relay Walk

The Portland to Coast Walk Relay accompanies the Hood to Coast Relay Run. This 128 mile relay takes walkers through the backroads of Oregon's Coast Range, starting in Portland and winding it's way down to Seaside, Oregon. It is limited to 400 walking team, followed by 1000 running teams. The event is held in late August each year.

Van decorations, crazy team names, costumes and general fun are hallmarks of this event. Awards are given for the best van decorations and team name and for the most helpful team on the course. While it is a competition - many vans chart "Road Kill" for the other walkers they pass - teams also help each other out and socialize along the way, and mist other walkers during the heat of the day.
Van Art Photo Gallery

The Portland to Coast Relay Walk is a race. Each team keeps a timesheet , recording the times for each walker for each leg of the race. The total time is recorded by a timing chip on the last walker and is the basis of the team awards. The only time limit is to complete the walk by 9 pm on Saturday. No team has ever finished in more than 36 hours, so that limit is very generous.

The relay starts in Portland, Oregon, and proceeds 128 miles along Hwy. 30 and then onto small roads through the Coast Range to Seaside. There are significant hills and some gravel stretches. The finish on the beach is a gala party attended by over 30,000 walkers, runners, and their supporters.

Entry fee is $840 for teams of 8-12 walkers and 3 on-course volunteers. Teams must cover the costs of transportation (van rental and gas) and supply their own food and drink. Teams are made up of friends, family, colleagues from work, school, church, etc. The relay offers something for everyone, with awards in multiple categories of participation.
Portland to Coast/Hood to Coast Relay

Each team provides 1-2 vehicles to transport the team. Most teams will use 2 vans with 6 walkers in each. The walkers take turns walking designated legs of the relay, handing off at exchange points every 4-7 miles. Each walker will walk at least two legs. Walking continues through the night to finish on the second day. Each team provides their own food, drink, vehicles, gas, etc. and must provide 3 on-course volunteers to staff the race, who are assigned positions.

Each team member receives a medal and a t-shirt. Team awards are given by age and gender categories, for best van decorations and team name.

Each team must provide 3 volunteers who will be assigned by Portland to Coast to work along the course. This is how the event is staffed. Teams are disqualified if their volunteers do not report for duty. Volunteers direct the vans into and out of the leg exchanges, guide walkers into the exchanges, and staff the start and finish.

The Portland to Coast Relay Walk is a great experience for walkers of all kinds and a yearly tradition. While some teams will compete for speed, other teams will just enjoy the challenge and camaraderie of the event. No matter what your motivation - competition, fun, exercise or simply seeing new sights and setting new goals -- enjoy the Portland to Coast Relay Walk.