A Brief History of the Bay to Breakers Race
The race was first started with the aim to lift people’s spirits after the horrifying 1906 San Francisco earthquake. It is the oldest race that has been run for consecutive years ever at a given course and length in the world. The 1986 race which was held on 18th May with 110,000 participants was even recognized as a world record for a footrace.
Prices for Participation and Dates
Charges: Individual Runner: 12k runner - $ 49.99Centipede Team: $ 649.87 (Group of 13-15)
Breakers Bonus: $ 24.99
Bay to Breakers 2021: August 22nd, Sunday
Participants can register for the race at Capstoneraces, the official website for the race.
What to Expect and see at the Race
The route is usually dotted with local bands and there is a Finish Line Festival at the end where both participants and spectators can enjoy the festivities. People wear hilarious costumes and over the years, people have come up with different traditions too. The tortilla toss is one such tradition where runners waiting to cross the start line throw tortillas at each other. The race also features a special team division called “centipedes”. A centipede usually consists of 13 people or more and they compete the entire course linked together by a bungee cord or something else.
Usually, the serious runners are at the beginning, followed by the next group accompanied by the Pink Gorilla and finally, people in fun costumes and groups are at the end forming a parade-like experience for the by-standers. The races are fun, weird and chaotic but it is an experience of a lifetime. A lot of the people don’t even register, they’re there just for the experience.
Spectators and participants can also see a group of people dressed as Salmons swimming upstream, i.e., in the opposite direction of the racecourse. The first group starts at 7 am and the course officially closes at noon. There are over 50,000 annual participants who cross iconic places like the Panhandle Park, the birthplace of the Deadhead and the Golden Gate Park.
Places to go for the best views of the Bay to Breakers race
Some places where you can go for the best views of the parade are Hayes Valley neighbourhood or Alamo Square Park. The race is popular because it truly defines the spirit of San Francisco. The participants will be joined by the pink-ape mascot, Ape Hashbury too!
Tips for Transportation and the Race
1. Participants are advised to opt for Public transports as transportation can become a problem on the day of the race as there are over 50,000 participants yearly.
2. There will be many Muni buses rerouted around the racecourse. Muni will also provide post-race buses to get participants back downtown and will meet the runners at 47th Avenue and Fulton Street. BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) also adds some early-morning trains to accommodate the early race start.
3. The Golden Gate Ferry also has a special 6:45 am ferry ride from Larkspur to San Francisco.
4. Participants must make sure that their phones are charged and should always stay hydrated.
5. Make sure to use sunscreen and unless they live near The Embarcadero, plan transportation in advance as transportation is a problem sometimes.
Participants can also choose to run an extra 3k with the Breakers bonus 3k edition. This 3k course runs parallel to the beautiful Ocean Beach. Alcohol and nudity are strictly prohibited and participants must respect the traditions and rules and regulations too. Be mindful, have fun and soak in the wonderful experiences!