Description of ING Bay to Breakers 2010

The ING Bay to Breakers race takes place on the third Sunday of May which, this year, is on May 16. 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 in which everyone ignored. There will be copious alcohol consumption, nudity beyond your imagination, and floats...many carrying the alcohol which will be consumed. You WILL be hit by a flying Tortilla (I guarantee it). So be open minded and bring with you your sense of humor or costume or go naked...we won't judge (well we will but if your naked you could probably care less)

1. Bay to Breakers Official Website
2. Map of Bay to Breakers Race Course 2010 and General information
3. Runner & Registration Information
4. ING Footstock at Golden Gate Park
5. Bay to Breakers FAQ


Bay to Breakers Race Course 2010:

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 2010:

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 14, 2009: 11:00a to 7:00p
* Saturday, May 15, 2009: 9:00a to 7:00p


Bay to Breakers History

The ING Bay to Breakers race turns 99 in 2010. 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.