Read the official press release below.
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OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASEAugust 19, 2010
INFORMATION CONTACT:
Janet Wright, PIO - 503-397-1035
Columbia County Prepares for Hood-to-Coast Weekend
ST. HELENS–Various local agencies are prepping for another Hood-to-Coast run through Columbia County on Friday and Saturday, August 27-28.
Most of the annual marathon’s participants are runners who start at Mount Hood and end up in Seaside. Walkers and high school runners start the race in Portland. Several thousand people are involved in each portion of the marathon.
Local agencies have been busying preparing for the event, according to Columbia County Emergency Management Director Derek White. “We enjoy having Hood-to-Coast in our county. However, citizens need to be aware that having such an influx of folks in our county means we have to work together to make sure we have a good game plan for handling any issues that arise as well as address regular calls for service.”
The event starts in Columbia County on US 30 at the Multnomah County line. After going through Scappoose, the route heads off US 30 at Church Road in Warren, heads past the Fairgrounds into mostly rural areas of the county. The race then heads through Mist and Birkenfeld before exiting at the Clatsop County line.
"The Sheriff's Office will be working with partner public safety agencies to provide safety patrols on county roads and special enforcement and crowd control in congested areas," Sheriff Jeff Dickerson said. "Particular areas of concern are at Church Rd and Highway 30 and from Schaefer Rd and Apiary Rd to Mist," he said, adding "we will be providing an increased presence during peak hours in those congested areas." In addition, the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office will restrict left turns onto US 30 from Church Road during the event.
Chief Mike Greisen of Scappoose Regional Fire District asks drivers to remain alert and to watch out for walkers and runners.
In addition, Chief Jay Tappan of Columbia River Fire and Rescue encourages Hood to Coast participants to stay safe and take precautions for heat-related problems by staying hydrated and wearing appropriate clothing for running or walking.
For updates on Hood-to-Coast’s run through the county, check out http://twitter.com/columbiacoem or look for “Columbia County Emergency Management” on Facebook. To learn more about the event, go to http://www.hoodtocoast.com .
