Diablo Fit: Bay to Breakers Survival Guide

Get a few tips on how to survive San Francisco's annual wild-and-crazy foot race.

Bay to Breakers, that tsunami of flooding urban foot traffic, will celebrate its 98th anniversary this Sunday. Diablo Fit offers a few top tips to get you there, get you running, and get you home all in one piece.

For those unacquainted with the San Francisco 12K (about 7.5 miles) race, it began in 1912 after the great San Francisco earthquake of 1906. It was created as a way to boost spirits while the city continued to rebuild itself. Today the race draws up to 110,000 participants, not including spectators, and has become famous for crazy costumes, public drinking (and nudity), and the general free-spirited nature of the event.

Looking at the numbers, newcomers might find their first experience a little daunting if caught unprepared. Talking with ING Bay to Breakers' general manager Angela Fang, we were able to gather a few helpful tips:

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The Early Bird gets the Worm
Come early. While the race starts at 8 a.m. you’ll want to be at the venue at least about an hour ahead of time and no later than 7:15 a.m. “We suggest arriving early as there are lots of people coming into San Francisco for the race from everywhere,” Fang says.

Use Bart
Fang also suggests that East Bay residents use BART. Numerous road closures will block off streets to traffic, and congestion is a stop-and-go affair. Adding to the traffic melee, this year the Asian Heritage Street Fair is the day before, so for those scouting the course early or who just want to check out the expo, BART is your best bet.

Fang Recommends getting off at the Embarcadero Station and walking to the start line at Howard and Beale Streets.

Come Prepared
Many times, the things people overlook on race day are the small things. Fang stresses that first timers and veterans alike remember to bring sun block but also to have layers that they can shed once the cool early morning breeze turns into hot afternoon sunshine.

It’s Not Flat
New participants should know that the course isn’t flat. From sea level at the Embarcadero the course rises steeply along Hayes Street Hill. “Around the 2.5-mile mark runners climb an 11.15% grade between Fillmore and Steiner,” Fang says and added the total elevation will be about 215 feet above sea level.

Newbies should remember to bring enough water and quality footwear for the climb and the descent along the panhandle and through Golden Gate Park.

REGISTER!
Today is the last day to register online and save cash for the expo. Today only you’ll be able to purchase your entry fee at $48 for adults and $44 for kids. Prices jump to $55 for adults and $50 for kids afterward. For more information, CLICK HERE.

 

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