On August 28–29, a team of dedicated runners from Willamette ENT & Facial Plastic Surgery (WENT) and River Road Surgery Center (RRSC) took on one of the Pacific Northwest’s most iconic endurance events, the Providence Hood to Coast Relay. Known as the “Mother of All Relays,” Hood to Coast is the largest and most popular running and walking relay race in the world, challenging teams of eight to 12 participants to travel 196 miles from Mount Hood to the Oregon Coast.
Our team, proudly named the Running Noses, was made up of 12 runners, including 10 WENT and RRSC staff members. Over the course of two days, the team traveled from the slopes of Mount Hood to the beachfront finish line in Seaside, passing through scenic forests, rural roads and Oregon communities.
Each team member completed three separate running legs ranging from approximately three to seven miles each. By the end of the relay, every runner had logged between 14 and 19 miles, while supporting teammates, coordinating van exchanges and cheering each other on throughout the journey.
The Running Noses finished the 196-mile course in 33 hours and 19 minutes, crossing the finish line about 90 minutes ahead of their projected time. While this was certainly a great athletic accomplishment, the event was about much more than mileage. It was an opportunity to strengthen friendships, build teamwork and represent our organization in a fun and memorable way.
One of the most rewarding aspects of Hood to Coast is the sense of community it creates. Teams from across the country and around the world come together to challenge themselves, support one another and celebrate the camaraderie that develops over hundreds of miles and countless handoffs. For our team, it was inspiring to experience that spirit firsthand while sharing the adventure with colleagues.
We’re incredibly proud of everyone who participated and grateful to the family members, friends and supporters who encouraged the team along the way. Completing Hood to Coast is no small feat, and the Running Noses demonstrated the perseverance, teamwork and positive attitude that make Willamette ENT and RRSC such special places to work.
Congratulations to the Running Noses on an amazing accomplishment. We can’t wait to see what they do next!
“Have always found the staff and doctors here to be helpful. This was my first visit with Dr. Prze after Dr. Allan retired, and he was very friendly, enthusiastic, and thorough. It was obvious he had read my chart carefully before my checkup.”