Mention the Hood to Coast Relay around Seaside and surrounding areas and you will receive a strong reaction. It’s an annual event that few are indifferent about.

It began in Oregon in 1982, but it wasn’t until 1989 that Seaside became the finish line. Teams of sponsored runners and walkers from around the world take part in a relay from Timberline Lodge on Mount Hood to the coast. Although the organization that runs the race is a for-profit group, it raises enough money to donate significant amounts to worthy causes. Last year, the race gave $730,000 for Providence Cancer Center.

For the good folks at the Seaside Chamber of Commerce, it’s a major fundraiser whose revenue — $30,000 last year — allows staff, leaders and members to do such positive work year-round to enhance the business climate and promote the resort.

The relay turns the eyes of the state and region on Seaside, generating more publicity than money could buy. In general, television news coverage is positive, focused on tales of personal achievement and fun times on the beach.

But some residents along the 198-mile route, and many year-round Seasiders, have viewed it as a weekend-long nightmare.

Eighteen thousand runners and their support crews put enormous pressure on the region. Coastal areas like ours delight in attracting visitors to enjoy sparkling summer weekend events. When problems occur, it is invariably because communities have exceeded their “carrying capacity.” Organizers of the Cannon Beach sandcastle contest and the kite festival in Long Beach, Washington, for example, have learned tough lessons from squeezing too many people into a narrow space. In 2002, Long Beach responded tepidly when the relay explored relocating its finish line there, realizing the south Washington coast was already at its limits in late August.

Years ago, one major Hood to Coast mistake was too few portable toilets along the route, causing some unpleasant cleanup issues; that has been addressed. But the extraordinary traffic congestion, plus instances of unruly behavior, have frayed tempers more than any other annual event. Back in 2015, some 87 merchants demanded changes — many wanting the race to go elsewhere.

That’s why we are greeting with cautious optimism the news that Seaside City Council has signed a five-year deal with race organizers. It calls for the race to pay the city $25,000, plus additional costs of police, fire and public works crews’ time, with 5 percent increases each year. It provides a toll-free phone number for complaints the week before and after the event.

What gives us cause for hope is the manner in which this agreement was reached; some negotiating, like City Councilor Randy Frank, were among the race’s most ardent critics.

We’re crossing our fingers. But be warned: Aug. 24 and Aug. 25 will be a busy time on the entire North Coast. There will be extra traffic; downtown Seaside and highways 101, 26 and 30 will be choked. Restaurants will be hopping; hotels will be full.

But, if all goes well, Seaside’s city, chamber and some other worthy organizations can benefit greatly. And, hopefully, participants will enjoy North Coast hospitality so much that they return with friends and families to boost our economy further.

Let’s hope this deal — and the increased awareness of the priority to tackle any problems head on — will mean we’ll all be applauding rather than grumbling when the teams make their way home Aug. 26.