SAN FRANCISCO—It’s the time of year again for Bay to Breakers. For some it’s a serious race through the heart of San Francisco, but for many a huge slow-moving street-festival and costume party
Originally started as way to boost public morale after the devastating 1906 earthquake, Bay to Breakers has grown into one of the oldest and largest foot races in the world.
For its 100th running in 2011 a record-number of 55,000 runners and more than 100,000 participants joined the race.
Serious athletes, who come from all over the world, lead the pack. In recent years, mostly runners from Kenya or Ethiopia finished first.
They are followed by tens of thousands of hobby runners, joggers, and walkers.
Many dress up, and don a variety of costumes from super-heroes to penguins. Some run as so-called Centipedes, a connected group of 13 runners, all wearing similar costumes.
And since it’s San Francisco, some come with nothing at all—the city’s recently enacted nudity ban makes an exemption for events like this.
The 7.46 mile course runs through the heart of the city, from the bay side in the east, near the Embarcadero through downtown, Hayes Valley, Panhandle, Golden Gate Park to Ocean Beach at the Pacific Ocean, the “breakers.”
Since 2012, race rules prohibit alcohol. For this year’s race, following the Boston marathon bombings, the police department said it has heightened security measures and enforced a ban on large backpacks.
Today, Ethiopian Gedefa Fufi won with 35:01, while American Ryan Hall came second (35:40). The Aggies Men as the fastest Centipedes clocked at 40:03.
All race results you can find here.
