Seabrook has been chosen as the finish line for the second Hood to Coast Washington relay race in 2018, after serving as the end destination for this year’s inaugural event earlier this past month
“Due to the event’s popularity, Hood to Coast Washington is capped at 500 teams to ensure smooth traffic, safety and an enjoyable experience for all,” said a news release announcing the 2018 relay is expected to sell out in several hours when registration opens to the public in December.
It is expected to bring approximately 5,500 people to the Grays Harbor and Mason counties to participate, spectate and work the event.
“The inaugural Hood to Coast Washington, which finished at Seabrook, was a resounding success,” said Casey Roloff, Seabrook founder. “It was an honor to be able to host the participants as they celebrated their achievements with teammates, family members and our community. We’re excited to play a part in this growing event and can’t wait to welcome both new and returning teams to Seabrook in 2018.”
As the endpoint for the first-ever Hood to Coast Washington this year on June 3, Seabrook estimates about 4,000 people filled the region’s lodging, restaurants and shops during the weekend. Hood to Coast booked more than 120 homes in Seabrook, as well as lodging in Pacific Beach, Ocean Shores and Shelton. Race sponsors estimate the event had a $1 million impact spread across Grays Harbor County and Mason County.
“We are thrilled that Hood to Coast Washington is growing and returning in 2018 to the same communities that supported this year’s inaugural race,” said Bob Foote, Hood to Coast founder. “Seabrook’s well-planned community on the coastline was one of the most beautiful finish locations I’ve ever seen.”
The inaugural Washington state event sold out in two hours and raised more than $20,000 for Junior Achievement of Washington, the event’s official charity organization that aims to inspire and prepare young people to succeed in a global economy. Funds were also raised to support the Seabrook Community Foundation, hunger relief in Grays Harbor and other charities at race exchanges throughout Mason and Grays Harbor counties.
The 2018 Hood to Coast Washington will have the same route as this year’s race, which spanned 77 miles from Hood Canal to Seabrook as 355 running and walking teams completed the journey. Teams of six runners ran the full 12-leg course, while teams of four to six walkers completed an abridged 50-mile, eight-leg course. Beginning at Lake Isabella State Park, the route wound through the Olympic National Forest, along the Chehalis River and Grays Harbor ending in the town of Seabrook.
Foote founded the first Hood to Coast in 1982, when eight teams ran from Mount Hood near Portland to Pacific Beach, OR. For more information, visit www.hoodtocoast.com.
