Bay to Breakers: 100 Years and Running

Countdown begins as "The World's Most Unique Footrace" turns 100; get ready to run on Sunday, May 15, 2011; race limit of 50,000

From Ryan Lamppa, Running USA

SAN FRANCISCO - (January 6, 2011) - With five months until race day, runners from all over the world, of all shapes and sizes, and of all intensities are readying themselves for what is known as the most unique footrace in the world. The100th running of Bay to Breakers will take place on Sunday, May 15, 2011, and up to 50,000 runners will participate in this quintessentially San Francisco event.

"Looking back at the past 100 years of Bay to Breakers, the only thing that comes to mind is the word 'iconic,'" saidAngela Fang, general manager of the race. "Bay to Breakers is an all encompassing event that unites best-in-class athletes with enthusiastic fans and creates the spirit that is San Francisco."

Originally known as the Cross City Race, Bay to Breakers was first held on January 1, 1912. In its first year, 186 runners started the race at Embarcadero and Market streets, and only 121 runners completed the race. The winner of the first race was Robert Jackson "Bobby" Vlught, who won with a time of 44 minutes, 10 seconds. Since then Bay to Breakers has grown to be one of the largest footraces in the world with more than 50,000 participants and close to 100,000 spectators annually. The 12K race, also home of the world records (33:31 and 38:07), has grown to be a celebration for everyone and exemplifies The City's irrepressible color and its affection for eclectic traditions.

At Expo this year, a race retrospective exhibit of Bay to Breakers will be held on May 13-14, 2011. The retrospective will include photos, rare memorabilia and a historical timeline from 1912-2011. This historical display will kick-off the weekend's festivities and will begin to generate the excitement as runners build towards race day.

On Sunday, May 15, 50,000 runners, including Bobby Vlught's grandson, will be propelled into the 100th running of Bay to Breakers. At the finish line, runners will receive a race t-shirt, and for the first time in race history, all registered finishers will receive a commemorative medal representing the 100th running of the race. In this year's race, men who beat Vlught's 1912 winning time of 44:10 and women who beat the 50:45 winning time of the first female winner, Dr. Frances Conley from 1971, will have their race numbers retired.

Along the USA Track & Field certified 12K (7.46 miles) course, Bay to Breakers will host entertainment from the past 10 decades, offering a fun and lively atmosphere for participants and spectators alike. At 7:00am runners will start at the base of the San Francisco Bay, and progress to the City's famousHayes Street Hill. Around the 2.5-mile mark runners climb an 11.15 percent grade between Fillmore and Steiner streets, bringing them to the highest point in the race, approximately 215 feet above sea level. The remainder of the course gradually flows alongside the Panhandle and through Golden Gate Park and ends at the Pacific Ocean.

Alcohol and floats are not allowed at the 100th running of the Bay to Breakers. Neighborhood associations, city officials, police and race organizers have determined alcohol and floats create a threat to public safety. At the 100th running, additional police and private security will be added to enforce applicable laws. There will be multiple checkpoints on the race route to remove any floats and alcohol. Only registered participants will be allowed on the course.

This change was made to ensure everyone has a safe, fun and challenging 100th celebration race. These new regulations will not be reversed.

The completion of Bay to Breakers and the celebration of the centennial will be commemorated at Footstock this year. The merriment will move from its former location at the Polo Fields to the soccer fields for the 2011 race and will feature food booths, entertainment and exciting festivities as a celebration of the incredible 100 years Bay to Breakers has had, and 100 more to come.

For more information, go to: www.baytobreakers.com