Hood to Coast runner sues after man plows into sleeping area

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) – A Hood-To-Coast runner whose leg was seriously injured when another runner got drunk, stole a truck and ran over her in a designated sleeping area is suing race organizers and the fellow runner for nearly $1 million.

The Oregonian/OregonLive reports Cynthia Gillespie claims Oregon relay race organizers didn’t enforce a ban on alcohol and were negligent in designating a Columbia County field as the sleeping area when it wasn’t safe.

On Aug. 26, 2017, David Blackmon took the portable toilet truck on a joyride, striking Gillespie. The suit says she suffered permanent disfigurement to her leg and other injuries.

Blackmon pleaded guilty to driving under the influence and other charges.

The suit faults Blackmon and also lists Honey Bucket as a defendant.

Blackmon and Honey Bucket didn’t return a request for comment. Hood to Coast spokesman Dan Floyd declined comment because of the active litigation.