PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – The 43rd annual Hood to Coast relay is only two days away, and it’s looking like it will be a hot one this year.

Dan Floyd, the chief operating officer of Hood to Coast, said participants need to start preparing now for potentially record-breaking temperatures.

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“Going into the next 48 hours, runners can stay away from alcohol,” he said. “They need to start hydrating right now.”

Floyd also said organizers are doing their part to prepare for the heat. Fortunately, he thinks they have some elements working in their favor.

Since course terrain is diverse, participants who are running legs near the mountain or coast will have some reprieve from the heat — especially compared to those running their leg in the Portland metro area, where temperatures are expected to soar into the high 90s.

In those areas, Hood to Coast will have ice and cooling towels available in addition to the first aid stations and cooling vests at major exchange points. Runners can also expect to see first responders and law enforcement out along the 200-mile course. 

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But Floyd says staying safe comes down to looking out for your fellow runners and yourself.

For some, that may mean reconsidering their pace amid the heat.

“Start at a pace that you didn’t anticipate as your legs,” he said. “Typically, it would be a 10k pace, slow it down to your marathon pace. So start slow.”

Thousands of participants from over 40 countries and all 50 states will be taking part in the race starting this Friday. Floyd says they’ve raised close to $1 million this year, and all of it is staying in Oregon with the Providence Cancer Institute.

Stay with KOIN 6 News as we continue our hot weather coverage.