Bay to Breakers
San Francisco, CA
Official Website : http://baytobreakers.com/main_home.html
Date : May 17, 2009
Race Type : Running
Race Distance : 12 km
Race Description: At 5:13am on April 18, 1906, a devastating earthquake that would become one of history's most notorious natural disasters - rocked San Francisco. The subsequent fire and destruction were unimaginable, and many feared the City would be gone forever. But San Franciscans, displaying their typical fortitude and innovation, immediately began rebuilding the city and producing events to lift their morale. One of those events, the Cross City Race known better today as ING Bay to Breakers was first run in 1912 as a precursor to the world-class athletic events planned for the 1915 Panama Pacific International Exposition. There were less than 200 participants that first year and Robert Jackson Vlught was the first person to ever cross the finish line, with a finishing time of 44:10.
Since then, Bay to Breakers has prevailed as a testament to San Francisco uniqueness and audacity. Each year, the race is a glorious celebration of the human spirit a giant wave of athleticism, fun, frivolity, and determination flowing across the City from the bay to the ocean. It is one of the largest footraces in the world with 65,000 + participants and 100,000 + spectators annually. As the race grew in size it even set a Guinness Book record, with 110,000 participants, in 1986. The course is challenging and beautiful, and consistently attracts top athletes in the sport. But it isn't just a race for the serious runner.
In the true spirit of San Francisco the race is a celebration for everyone. Thousands of costumed participants join with families, weekend runners and people just out for a stroll. As they make their way through the heart of San Francisco they are cheered by thousands of spectators and live music along the course. They also have to dodge the "spawning salmon" who each year make their way from the Finish line, through the masses, to the Start.
3 Reviews for Bay to Breakers
This event feels like more of a party than a running race! It is fun, but can be overwhelming because of the huge and crazy crowd. Mostly everyone is dressed up and drinking, and there are even naked people of all ages strutting their stuff. The end of the race is fun because there is always a concert to enjoy. I think it would be fun to do this race again, and I might even dress up!
Naked men and women, tiki bars on wheels, flying tortillas, and keg stands in the middle of the road. This might sound like Mardi Gras, or even the Castro... but no, it's a lovely "running" race we like to call the Bay to Breakers. I have taken breaks from running the race because it's overly crowded and there are naked men... of all ages. The best part, in my opinion, is the finish because there is a concert to be enjoyed by everyone. It is definitely a race everyone has to try, just so they can believe it when they see it. Make sure you have nothing planned for the rest of the day because the race and "after party" take FOREVER! And don't be shocked by the unpleasant surprise of paying $5.00 for a slice of pizza.
I love the Bay to Breakers, but my love is fickle beause it is contingent on me being not sober. The Bay to Breakers is best raced after a few beers, maybe some vodka shots, and defintely while wearing a costume. Toga anyone? The B to B is part of SF history. Anyone who lives here knows about it and most of us have raced it. How can you forget the naked men running? And why is it that only the gross ugly naked men run this race. Why can't the good looking crowd come out for the nude run? There are tons of crazy beer floats, investment bankers taking the day off dressed as cheerleaders, people in diapers - yes, there is a severe shortage of bathrooms.
The start is always a blast, too. Nothing wakes you up like a corn tortilla smacking you in the face. The finish, if you can get there - many don't - remember there is a bit of drinking going on - is always fun. There is lots of food and always a great band. I've seen Gavin DeGraw, Los Lobos, and Smashmouth, the latter band was so smashed the lead singer almost fell off the stage.
Word on the street is that they are thinking of banning the drinking, floats, naked people, and basically all the fun stuff that makes the B to B what it is. If that happens it will be the death of the race and I personally would never do it again. It would just become another 12K. So my vote of 'maybe' is contingent on what the race directors decide to do with the race.