Bay To Breakers

If you want a massive party at a running event then Bay to Breakers is for you

This is one of the world's biggest running events and the one with probably the most colourful history. It's 8 miles of fun that starts along the city's bay front, Embarcadero, meandering to its finish, via landmarks like Golden Gate Park, to the breakers on Ocean Beach. There are tens of thousands of runners, including plenty in costumes of all shapes and sizes. It's a party day that really gets going when the running stops. One for the bucket list.

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San Francisco

It might have a population of less than a million and measure less than 50 square miles, but chances are it's likely to be on most travellers' bucket list. Founded in 1776, it's the commercial, financial and cultural center of Northern California and the second most densely populated large U.S. city, behind only New York City.

Even though it's well known for its steep hills, as runners find out in the early part of Bay to Breakers, getting around isn't a problem. Bike share stations and Ubers are everywhere (as you'd expect in this tech dominated city) and the ubiquitous cable cars, which are attractions in their own right, are around every corner. There's also the BART metro trains to head further afield. Its most iconic landmark is of course the Golden Gate Bridge. You can walk or ride across to the Marin Headlands and enjoy the remarkable views as you go. Dominating the Bay is Alcatraz Island. Tours of the prison are an absolute must do. Back in the City, Fisherman's Wharf is an ever popular destination, with lots of food and shopping options. There's Union Square, Mission District and Chinatown that are all essential to see and Nob Hill, where many of the city's finest buildings are to be found. Don't miss the Painted Ladies; famous homes on Alamo Square and another part of the course.

Sports fans need to head to Oracle Park, the home of the local baseball team, the San Francisco Giants. There are very few stadia that have better locations than this. Situated on the Bay and with views of the other main bridge, the San Francisco - Oakland Bay Bridge, it's easy to get to by tram or walk from Embarcadero, with plenty to see on the way.

There are so many options for foodies from Michelin restaurants, quirky cafes and wine bars to multicoloured and multi option food trucks and there's plenty of entertainment from world-renowned symphony to ballet, theatre, and opera.

This race is all about having fun!

History of Bay to Breakers

It has a reputation as the party race of all party races, but it wasn't always like that. The very first event was way back in 1912 and had 186 starters. They weren't dressed up in costume, or weren't running naked and they wouldn't have stopped for a beer break on the way round. But, by the 70's that's what this event had become. It's a celebration of everything San Francisco, quirky, irreverent and great fun. In 1986 110,000 locals and visitors took to the streets, one of the biggest fields for a running event ever. It was originally known as the Cross City Race, and was renamed Bay to Breakers in 1964

Bay to Breakers has set other records. It's been run for more consecutive years over a given course and length than has any other footrace in the world and it's the host of the world centipede championships. Back in the 70s, a decade when lots seem to change with the race, a new category was introduced. Centipedes are groups of 13 to 15 runners, attached by bungee-cord or other cord, running in tandem. And there are lots of them, some in costumes and some not. There are tens of thousands of other costumed runners, all determined to have a celebration on the streets. Some of the costumes are crafted over many weeks and others are just a flap to cover a runner's modesty. More runners than not seem to be wearing something different to the normal T shirts and shorts in this race.

Numbers have declined in recent years as the City has brought in more and more rules as well as the impact of the economy and Covid, but there are plenty who still look forward to this one every year.

Race organiser

Motiv Running, part of the Motiv Group.

When is Bay to Breakers

The race is held annually in May

It takes over the city's streets

Distances

12k. The Breaker Bonus option adds another 3k to the course.

Is there an Expo?

Bib pick up is at the Embarcadero Plaza on Friday and Saturday before the event. It can get really busy, so either expect queues, or get there early. There are some booths selling last minutes running essentials but it's not a major show.

How many runners?

17,000

The Course

It all starts at 8.00am with seeded corrals, allowing the quicker runners to get going before the chaos unfolds behind them. The start is at the corner of Main and Howard Streets and basically runs west to the coast.

This is close to the Ferry Building and the Embarcado, very much the heart of the tourist area of the city. It's also right next to Salesforce Park, home to 600 trees and 16,000 plants arranged in 13 different botanical feature areas. It's. the newest public park in the San Francisco Bay Area and runs the entire length of the Transit Center’s nearly four-block stretch. Oh, and it's four stories above the ground and you can take a gondola there! Definitely one not to miss.

The first mile and a half of the 7.46 mile course is along Howard Street, past the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art and the Moscone Center. This is SoMa, or South of Market, a vast, warehouse-filled district, that includes Mission Bay and South Beach.

From here it's onto Hayes Street, home of one of the city's most famous attractions. Along the eastern side of Alamo Square Park is one of the most iconic and most photographed sights in San Francisco. These pastel-colored homes, standing shoulder-to-shoulder on the gentle slope of Steiner Street, are called the Painted Ladies. Also known as "postcard row" for their scenic beauty, these Victorian homes are a beautiful reminder of the San Francisco of old. There were 50,000 of these houses built in the city, but it came to an abrupt stop in April 1906 when San Francisco was destroyed by a major earthquake including the vast majority of these properties. The earthquake and the need to rebuild the city was the inspiration behind Bay to Breakers. The view from here is so good, as runners have just climbed the toughest hill on the course, from 2.5 miles, Hayes St Hill!

At the 3 mile marker the course then heads on to Fell Street and runs past the Panhandle. It's one of the oldest parks in the city and leads into Golden Gate Park. It's had a tough time and was even considered for conversion into a freeway at one point but it's now seen a revival, as part of a city-wide project. Just before mile 4 it's into Golden Gate Park, one of the best parks anywhere, the third most visited in the US and home to runners for the next three and a half miles. The park’s landscape is home to 680 forested acres, 130 acres of meadows, 15 miles of drives, and 33 acres of lakes. The park is home to several unique gardens including the Shakespeare Garden, Rose Garden, Japanese Tea Garden, Queen Wilhelmina Garden, and Conservatory Valley with its graphic floral plaques. It played an important role in the 1906 earthquake when 200,000 homeless residents were forced to camp in the park, first in crude shelters, and later in temporary wood barracks. There is a huge range of sporting facilities here, along with many cultural institutions like the California Academy of Sciences, which opened in 1923. 25 million people a year come to the Park and some will get to see the wild bison who roam and whose ancestors have been here since 1891.

Exiting the park, it's then immediately onto the Great Highway and the triumphant finish on Ocean Beach. It's a massive finish area, with huge amounts of food and drink available. And there is that Bridge!

There are plenty of aid stations along the course and absolutely loads of spectators. There are spectators everywhere and they are as wacky as most of the runners.

What's unique?

It's a piece of running history.

Do charities benefit?

There is no official charity programme, but running should consider raising funds for their favourite charity.

Our verdict

Although its numbers and its craziness are not like they used to be, this is still a very special occasion in the running calendar and it's still one of those races you need to do. If you're in the area near the time it's on then make every effort to be part of it; you certainly won't forget it!

How to register

Online via the website. It's a first come first served registration process, with no ballot.

Race website

https://baytobreakers.com/