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About Bay to Breakers

8/21/2016

19 Comments

 
Bay to Breakers Race
The Bay to Breakers footrace has been a mainstay of the San Francisco and U.S. running scene for over 100 years. Today, the event is known as one of the highlights of the running and social calendars, and attracts thousands of runners from across the country to compete and participate. The 12K race starts near the San Francisco Bay, close to the Embarcadero, winding its way through the city and finishing at the Great Highway, where the race earns its name from the waves, or breakers, that crash onto Ocean Beach.

The History of the Race

The race first took place in 1912, six years after San Francisco’s devastating 1906 earthquakes and subsequent fires. In a show of resilience and fortitude, the locals looked to create events to build morale among the people as part of the rebuilding process. The first race had 218 runners and 121 finishers, with a winning time of 44:10 minutes. 

Today, the event has 50,000 participants from all walks of life in a real celebration of athleticism, participation, and humor. Competitors come from around the country and even overseas, however it’s still a distinctly local event that provides an insight into the city’s colorful culture. 

The race has been voted one of the Top 10 Most Iconic Races in the U.S and, along with approximately 50,000 participants, it draws in 100,000 spectators every year. ​

There's Nothing Conventional About Bay to Breakers

Anyone new to the race might be shocked to see the attire, or lack thereof, that some of the race competitors choose to wear. Competitors include serious athletes, families in casual wear, and some who even choose to run in the bare. It’s a truly eclectic race, which is partly what makes it such an iconic event. 
19 Comments
Austin Kline
8/21/2016 08:27:51 am

I've always wanted to run in this event. I know though it's not easy and it takes training to try to work yourself up to that level. That's amazing after the big earthquake the city came back and first held this event six years after. That's something I didn't know.

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John Willz
8/21/2016 02:14:04 pm

That's fascinating that the race originated because of the earthquakes and fires. It's crazy to imagine what the scene would have been like in 1906 and now, 110 years later.

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Dillon
8/21/2016 02:16:21 pm

Great work! I had no idea this race was so extensive.

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Farid Martin
8/21/2016 08:31:05 pm

The Bay to Breakers race came along when San Francisco needed a morale boost, dating back to the 1910s after earthquakes ravaged the city. The spirit of individuality endures as competitors are allowed to dress in however a manner they see fit to gain the advantage. It is a wonderful race to just be yourself and do your best.

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Caroline Kaugher
8/22/2016 06:14:56 am

I bet they love finishing at the beach, I know if it were me I'd be diving in! Interesting history too.

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Lina
8/22/2016 08:01:29 am

Very informative article! It's amazing how 50,000 people participate in such an event! Good luck to everyone!

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Tim C
8/22/2016 03:27:38 pm

Great way to bring people together in a positive atmosphere.

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Montanna Slight
8/22/2016 09:07:57 pm

Never heard of this race before, I love the idea and congratulations to all the runners :)

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Connie Mastroianni
8/24/2016 08:05:22 am

great way do a race in an event. and it unites us in competition. Very healthy and productive.

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Mike Teberio
8/24/2016 08:50:51 am

This has been an event i wanted too run in for a long time . The physical training you have too go through is pretty intense but well worth it in the end as you know there is possibility too become a world known champion . Me and my family will be looking foward too reading up more on this !!!

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Felicia
8/24/2016 03:45:52 pm

I am from the midwest, so I never heard of the Bay to Breakers Footrace. I have a cousin in the San Francisco area. I'll have to catch the event next year in 2017 because it seems like a race to watch!

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HannahV
8/26/2016 05:21:34 pm

Great overview. Bay to Breakers is exciting to watch in person and one of the best American footraces.

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Kristin
8/27/2016 10:15:09 pm

This is an awesome and truly touching event! It is amazing to see so many people come out for a good cause! It's a healthy and productive race with a competitive edge and it's for all the right reasons. Absolutely awesome!!

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julio pacio
8/28/2016 07:27:12 pm

This race is one of the long lasting traditions on the west coast.Long live The Bay to Breakers race.

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Sam
8/29/2016 01:10:35 pm

I would like to participate to this kind of event. Race is important because it's part of the culture and event that many people like to enjoy. It would be great to be part of the team.

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Beth
8/31/2016 05:10:24 pm

Wow! 50,000 participants is insane! I would love to to go see this one day.

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ADIL
9/2/2016 06:46:31 am

Great way to bring people together in a positive atmosphere.
Me and my family will be looking foward too reading up more on this !!!

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Mona
9/2/2016 07:12:00 pm

Very rich history, indeed, glad to read of it!

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Marvz
9/3/2016 01:49:21 pm

I love this kind of sport. I wish I am in California to join this "The Bay to Breakers footrace". I love footrace, fun run, marathon, and the like.

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    Cameron Poetzscher

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    Cameron Poetzscher is a Harvard Business School graduate with extensive M&A, business strategy and operations experience.
    He is the VP of Corporate Development at Uber, and is passionate about sport.

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