Awhile back, I was contacted and asked to review the Hood to Coast movie. I have of course heard of Hood to Coast from people who have run it, seen the film, etc. I did not get a chance to see it in theaters so I was excited to have this opportunity. Not going to lie, I knew the BASIC idea of the race but not all of the logistics and I went from thinking this was the type of thing I would never want to do, to thinking how much FUN it would be to participate in a fun relay like this!

Here is a little info about the film:

The character-driven documentary HOOD TO COAST takes a celebratory look at
personal motivation and the kind of people just crazy enough to push
themselves to attempt the extraordinary. The film offers a compelling human
interest story as it follows four unlikely teams of people of all ages and
backgrounds on an epic adventure to conquer the 197 miles of the world’s
largest relay race.
Some run to test their personal limits, some to overcome personal obstacles, and
others leap in blindly looking for a way to shake up a complacent life. For the 67
year old heart attack victim attempting to conquer the race that almost killed her,
the broken-hearted family in mourning, the determinedly un-athletic but joyfully
artistic team of animators, to the aging jocks who still know how to have a good
time, the journey, however far it takes them, is the prize. Each year over 1,000 teams cover the grueling miles as a relay, putting
themselves through an arduous physical journey that as an individual would be
impossible. For the last 30 years, Hood To Coast has attracted not only the
world’s elite runners, but an even more fascinating array of amateur
adventurers.  Each year the 197 miles of the course is transformed into a
“Woodstock on wheels”, a roadtrip that allows each person a transformative
personal journey.  The stories are reminders that no matter who you are, you can
push yourself beyond what you thought your limits were.

Check out the movie trailer below for a sneak peak:

This is the kind of film you just have to see to understand. It follows four teams of all abilities through their race journey. I laughed, I cried, I was INSPIRED. It’s one of those things that sounds awful but at the same time would feel AMAZING to accomplish!

There are now 1,000 teams (12,000 runners) that participate in Hood to Coast. They cover 197 difficult miles from Mt. Hood down to the ocean. 12 people per team run three legs each, divided up into two vans for the race. Some run in honor of a loved one, some run for fun, others, to win. Whatever the story, I enjoyed watching this motivational film that truly captures the idea of teamwork and hard work. My favorite part was how at the end, the entire team ran across the finish line with the person running the last leg. It just gave me goose bumps! There are also tons of amazing bonus features on the second disk that you won’t want to miss.

You can purchase the movie yourself or get more info on the film’s website. Also be sure to follow @hoodtocoast on twitter.

All of the excitement of this race has me considering doing one of my own…

The Rouge Orleans 126.2 is coming up in February and it looks like SO MUCH FUN! It’s the same concept as hood to coast except it’s 126.2 miles from baton Rouge to New Orleans and it’s teams of 6 people. So, who wants to join me? I need five more people! (well, 4 if I can convince my husband to join in if I can’t get enough!) I’m serious!!!

QOTD: Have you ever run a relay like this? Would you ever consider it? Why or why not?

*I was provided compensation for this review but the opinions expressed are my own