Sunday, May
19, 2019 at 6 AM – 6 PM
San Francisco,
California
At 5:13am on April 18, 1906, a devastating earthquake
destined to 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 never fully recover. But San Franciscans,
displaying their typical fortitude, immediately began rebuilding the city and
orchestrating events to lift civic morale. One of those events, the Cross City
Race – better known today as Bay to Breakers – was first held on January 1,
1912. It was intended as a precursor to the world-class athletic events being
planned for the 1915 Pan Pacific International Exposition. There were 218
registrants, 186 starters, and 121 finishers. Robert Jackson “Bobby” Vlught, a
St. Mary’s College student, was the first runner to cross the finish line, with
a time of 44:10.
Since then, Bay to Breakers has prevailed as a testament
to San Francisco’s 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 Pacific Ocean. Bay to Breakers is one of
the largest footraces in the world with 40,000 + participants and 100,000 +
spectators annually. As the race grew in size it even set a Guinness Book
world-record, with 110,000 participants in 1986. The course is challenging and
beautiful, and consistently attracts world-class competitors. 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 walkers. As they make their way through the heart of San
Francisco, energized by continuous bursts of live music, they are cheered on by
thousands of spectators lining the route.
Throughout its long history Bay to Breakers has been a
showcase for the City’s irrepressible color and its affection for eclectic
traditions.
Although runners come from across the country and around
the globe, the race is still a quintessential San Francisco experience and a
true reflection of life between the breakers and the Bay.
The details, map, and Q&A can be found on the
dedicated website.
Want to watch?
Best Places to Watch Bay to Breakers 2019
Spectators line the entire course, but some of the best
viewing spots are:
* Pre-race: Climb atop a trash can near Embarcadero
Station to get an over-the-top view of everyone in costume racing to the
starting line.
* Rival house parties with DJs and dancing typically line
Hayes Street before the hill and Fell Street near Ashbury across from the
Panhandle.
* Along Alamo Square at the top of Hayes Street Hill:
Amazing view of 30,000 people, all climbing Hayes Street.
* Finish Line on the Great Highway
Free concerts: There are typically bands and DJs set up
along the course.
Cost: $75 to participate, free to watch
