PORTLAND Ore. (KPTV) - Despite the extreme heat the annual Hood to Coast relay started Friday morning with more than 19,000 participants taking part in the race to Seaside, but with temps nearing triple digits all the teams are being extra cautious.

This year will be one of the hottest Hood to Coast weekends in the event’s 43-year history.

But racers are still determined to compete, they are just getting extra help this year from team members and neighbors who are trying to help them stay safe in the heat.

Around noon on Friday, runners were still making their way into Sandy. With temps already in the 90s and little shade along the Mount Hood Highway, this stretch of the race is brutal.

“This is my 8th or 9th Hood to Coast, and it has never been this hot before,” said Van-imals team me

See Full Page