Bay to Breakers 2011 | SF

Bring your tortillas (stale preferred), your costumed, your naked and your beer (shhh.. hide it this year) and participate in one of the largest races in America, and also one of the most strange and “San Francentric.”

The third Sunday in May sees the 100th edition of “Bay to Breakers” the crown jewel of SF events with over 70,000+ race/walk/stroll 7.46 miles from Bay (Howard/Beale) to Breakers (the western end of Golden Gate Park) in a costumed mass of people.

Best Places to Watch Bay to Breakers 2011:
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 event.
• Along Alamo Square at the top of Hayes Street Hill – amazing view of 70,000 all climbing Hayes Street.
• In front of the Conservatory of Flowers in Golden Gate Park
• Finish Line on the Great Highway

Where’s your favorite place to watch? Leave us a comment below and let us know!

Race Registration: SOLD OUT
To participate in the race technically you have to have registered but many people just show up and race anyway as long as you avoid the Howard Street starting point. We won’t tell anyone. The event is free to watch and is almost just as fun. Please note that supposedly cops will be on hand this year to remove unregistered runners.

Other Bay to Breakers Events (FREE)

• Greater Body Expo
  Two-day health and fitness event with interactive displays, free samples and prizes, and great bargains on apparel and fitness gear.
  Friday May 13th (11a-7p), Saturday May 14th (9a-6p)
  West Concourse of SF Design Center – 8th Street and Brannan, SF (SoMa)
  FREE and Open to the Public  

• Footstock
  Post-race celebration & concert
  Sunday 8:30am to 1pm
  Speedway Meadow – Golden Gate Park
  FREE and Open to the Public
  

Course Map

Links: Event details

*You SHOULD register and pay the fee to run, but most of the course is hardly policed and you can enjoy the course for free.