ING Bay to Breakers 2009:
The ING Bay to Breakers race takes place on the third Sunday of May which, this year, is on May 17. The race starts at 8:00a and the finish line closes at noon (when the Great Highway reopens for car traffic).
There's been considerable controversy over new rules proposed for the 2009 event regarding alcohol consumption, nudity, and floats. A compromise was reached which is detailed in this excerpt from the official press release.
Bay to Breakers Links:
- Bay to Breakers Official Website
- Map of Bay to Breakers Race Course 2009
- Runner & Registration Information
- ING Footstock at Golden Gate Park
- Bay to Breakers FAQ
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Bay to Breakers Race Course 2009:
The race begins at the Bay (Embarcadero area) and traverses 12K (7.46 miles) across San Francisco, to the breakers of the Pacific Ocean and the Great Highway. The Bay to Breakers course begins at sea level, climbs to 215 feet above sea level (on the Hayes Street hill), then winds a less arduous course through Golden Gate Park.
Runners & Walkers:
Participants pay a fee to race, to run or walk in costume, and to be a part of the general B2B party. The race culminates at Footstock in Golden Gate Park, with live music, a costume contest, food and beer gardens.
Breakers to Bay Upstream Salmon:
Racers moving in the proper direction will encounter the Breakers to Bay “Upstream” Salmon who every year run the race in reverse . . . as salmon would do.
Breakers Centipedes:
ING Bay to Breakers is also the official site of the World Centipede Running Championships. Centipedes are teams of 13 racing as one long centipede (60 feet long).
Spectators at Bay to Breakers:
Spectators line the Bay to Breakers course, with the most crowded spots being the start and finish areas. The race often draws more than 100,000 viewers along the sidelines.
Southwest Airlines Costume Contest:
Southwest Airlines, a sponsor of Bay to Breakers, gives out travel prizes for the best costumes in individual and centipede categories. The only entry requirement is participation in the race. If you raced, you’re eligible. The contest happens at the Golden Gate Park polo field, after the race.
ING Footstock 2009:
ING Footstock is the celebration party associated with Bay to Breakers. It all takes place on the polo field at Golden Gate Park from 9:30a to 2:00p. There are live bands, food vendors, beer gardens, and events like the costume contest and the awards ceremony. Headliners at this year's Footstock: The Last Goodnight.
Additional Bay to Breakers Information:
ING Greater Body Expo
The two-day Greater Body Expo is free, open to the public, and features speakers, exhibits and vendors on the topics of health and fitness. Last-minute runners and walkers can also register for the race at the Body Expo.
- Friday, May 15, 2009: 11:00a to 7:00p
- Saturday, May 16, 2009: 9:00a to 7:00p
Transportation & Street Closures - Bay to Breakers
The official website for ING Bay to Breakers has a full list of street closures and information on special Muni and public transportation options, to and from the event.
Bay to Breakers History
The ING Bay to Breakers race turns 98 in 2009. What began as San Francisco’s “Cross City Race” in 1912, evolved into one of the largest foot races in the world. Bay to Breakers broke a Guinness record in 1986 by registering 110,000 participants. Most years, the participant count is between 60,000 and 90,000.
Source: ING Bay to Breakers
Leave No Trace
Bay to Breakers asks participants to observe the following:
Be kind to our hosts and our neighbors and clean up after yourself. Don't abandon your floats, costumes, empty carts and unwanted trash. Please use the designated dumpsters and toilets along the course and help us to keep the City clean.