Record breaking heat (the hottest in race history), couldn’t stop six EPB&B team members and from lacing up last weekend to take on the 128-mile 2024 Portland to Coast relay—the world’s largest and most popular walking relay, drawing participants from all 50 states and more than 40 countries.
For the fourth consecutive year, EPB&B proudly joined the relay in support of cancer awareness, a cause close to our hearts. A special thanks goes to Donna Jones, EPB&B Personal Lines Account Manager, whose dedication and organizational efforts made our continued participation possible.
“The Portland to coast walk has been an annual event for me for the past 4 years,” says Donna. “I have been affected by cancer personally and would love to see a cure found. Doing the Portland to coast and seeing all the people and teams supporting cancer gives me hope that someday there will be a cure for all types of cancer.” But raising awareness is only one of the motivators for Donna in her ongoing effort to organize a team at EPB&B.
“Doing this with my fellow Co workers also allows us all to get to know each other on a more personal level and building friendships,” she says. “Every year we get new people to our team and it’s amazing seeing the support. It’s a lot of fun and teams get so creative with costumes and vehicle decorations . Organizing our teams every year is a little challenging but well worth the efforts and love and support we feel and get. I highly recommend this experience and it is another way to achieve personal goals and see a different view of our beautiful state.”
Here is what some other team ember have to say about their experience as part of this years Portland to Coast team.
“What I enjoyed the most was getting to know my teammates in those in-between moments—sharing snacks, swapping stories, and cheering each other on when our legs felt heavy,” says Commercial Lines Account Manger Amelia Curtis. “The relay became less about the finish line and more about the bonds we built walking through the intense heat, the laughter that carried us further than our feet, and the reminder that sometimes the hardest miles make the best memories.”
“Walking the hottest Portland to Coast on record, through steep hills and relentless sun, was a true test of endurance and resilience,” says Personal Lines Account Manager, Breanna Horton. ” The challenge made the finish even more meaningful, and the teamwork unforgettable.”
Adds EPB&B President Marc Baker, “the Portland to Coast gives us the opportunity to embrace being nimble (this year hottest Hood to Coast in its 48 year history), while taking our team building and goals to another level with a goal achievement of completing the journey.”
Congratulations to this inspiring group of people on a successful race. Who is in for next year?
