Hood to Coast is the feature-length documentary story of the largest relay race in the world, held annually near Portland, Oregon. The race features 1,000 teams following a 197-mile course, starting at Mount Hood and finishing at the Pacific Ocean.
The 197-mile race is divided into 36 stages and takes place over 36 grueling hours. A hand-off is required after each stage and every runner on each twelve-person team is responsible for three stages. Over the course of the race the teams descend 6,000 feet from mountain to coast.
The film follows four teams, from the veteran racers to the tubby rookies.
The team aspect of the race makes it very unique, transforming the usually solitary sport of running into an extreme bonding experience.
I want to start a team right now. I could run three stages next week no problem. I don’t think I could do much better than a 9 minute mile pace, though. My team would be called Team Thug Life. You already know, man, my van would be the smoked out one with all the ballers inside, haha.
The film also explores the world of the aging runner, exemplified by Heart n Sole’s Kathy. A veteran of 75 marathons, Kathy is competing a year after a serious collapse mid-course. She was revived by fast responders, and after triple bypass surgery, she is back to take on the race that almost took her life.
How do you tell an old runner to stop? Kathy’s determination is almost scary. Her doctor explains it best, suggesting that Kathy refuses to listen to her body when it is in pain.
The film’s aerial shots are beautiful, following the road’s evolution through mountain forests, to the countryside, to city intersections and finally ending at the beach. There are also night sequences featuring dusty gravel roads and runners wearing forehead lights.
The cameras also provide a very close, intimate view of each team. Team R. Bowe’s motivation for running is the most heartbreaking. The group is made up of friends and family honoring the memory of deceased runner, Ryan Bowe, who died tragically at the age of 30.
I thought the camera was too close during the scene when Ryan’s brother finishes his last stage in the race and is overcome by emotion. You can hear a field director ask him to describe his feelings. His face is full of tears. I would have respected the man’s privacy, having already taken so much from his story. This was an awkward moment in an otherwise compelling section.
Hood to Coast is a great theater experience. I give it an A-. For a kid raised and stuck in Florida, it provides an amazing view of the Pacific Northwest. Each runner represents a different set of motivations and experiences that makes for a very diverse and complete story. The cinematography and editing is also excellent.
Hood to Coast 2012. I’m down. Who else wants to step up?
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