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 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 that 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 County and Mason County region to participate, watch and work at 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 raised more than $20,000 for Junior Achievement of Washington. 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, Ore. to Pacific Beach, Ore. Since then, the race has become known as the largest relay race in the world, and as the Mother of All Relays. For the past 26 years, Hood to Coast has filled its team limits and, for the past 19 years, has sold out on Opening Day. Buoyed by the enormous appeal of Hood to Coast’s Oregon race, the inaugural Washington state race broke records selling out in two hours.

Hood to Coast welcomes runners and walkers of all ages and abilities, while also attracting elite competitors. For more information, visit www.hoodtocoast.com.