Bay to breakers 2007: what is it?

For the history buffs among you here is the historical version of events...

Bay to Breakers History

95 YEARS AND COUNTING...

At 5:13am on April 18, 1906, a devastating earthquake – that would become one of history’s most notorious natural disasters - rocked San Francisco. The subsequent fire and destruction were unimaginable, and many feared the City would be gone forever. But San Franciscans, displaying their typical fortitude and innovation, immediately began rebuilding the city and producing events to lift their morale. One of those events, the Cross City Race – known better today as ING Bay to Breakers – was first run in 1912 as a precursor to the world-class athletic events planned for the 1915 Panama Pacific International Exposition on Treasure Island. There were less than 200 participants that first year and Robert Jackson Vlught was the first person to ever cross the finish line, with a finishing time of 44:10.

Since then, Bay to Breakers has prevailed as a testament to San Francisco’s uniqueness and audacity. Each year, the race is a glorious celebration of the human spirit – a giant wave of athleticism, fun, frivolity, and determination flowing across the City from the bay to the ocean. It is one of the largest footraces in the world with 65,000 + participants and 100,000 + spectators annually. As the race grew in size it even set a Guinness Book record, with 110,000 participants, in 1986. The course is challenging and beautiful, and consistently attracts top athletes in the sport. But it isn't just a race for the serious runner.

In the true spirit of San Francisco the race is a celebration for everyone. Thousands of costumed participants join with families, weekend runners and people just out for a stroll. As they make their way through the heart of San Francisco they are cheered by thousands of spectators and live music along the course. They also have to dodge the "spawning salmon" who each year make their way from the Finish line, through the masses, to the Start.

Throughout its long history Bay to Breakers has been a showplace for the City's irrepressible color and its affection for eclectic traditions. Although runners come from across the country and all points of the globe, the race is still quintessential San Francisco and a true reflection of life between the breakers and the Bay.

 

Historical highlights:

• 1928: The Cross City Race moves to the last Sunday in January (and has been held on a Sunday ever since).
• 1940: The first female runner, Bobbie Burke, participates disguised as a man.
• 1940: The first costumed runner (other than Bobbie Burke) takes to the course as Captain Kidd, and finishes last.
• 1949: The first year the race was held in May.
• 1963: The smallest Cross City on record, with only 25 registered runners.
• 1964: In it's 53rd year the race is dubbed Bay to Breakers.
• 1971: With a finishing time of 50:45, Frances Conley becomes the first official winner in the Women's Division.
• 1974: At the age of 10 Maryetta Boitano became the youngest winner in the history of the race.
She also set the fastest women's finishing time at 43:22. She went on to win the Women's Division in 1975 and 1976.
• 1986: With 78,769 registered runners and 110,000 total participants, the Guinness Book of World Records awards Bay to Breakers the title of World's Largest Footrace.
• 1990: The Reebok Aggies set the men's centipede record with a time of 37:39.
• 1990: The Reebok Aggies set the women's centipede record with a time of 47:36.
• 1993: From 1993 to 1996, Bay to Breakers was the first official 12K National Championship recognized by the USA Track & Field Association.
• 1993: Ismael Kirui of Kenya set the standing men's record with a finishing time of 33:42.
• 1994: American runners were able to use their times to meet the standard required for entry into the Olympic trials.
• 1998: In 13th place, Jane Omoro secured the highest finishing position by a woman.
• 2005: With a finishing time of 38:22, Asmae Leghzaoui (Morocco) set a new women's world record and bested our course record, set by Delillah Asiago (Kenya) in 1995, by one second.

Photos

You can see more photos on this Bay to Breakers Flickr site - if you were there please share your photos either on this Flickr site or to this group.

Amazingly the corporate sponsor didn't really capture the mood for the vast majority - here's the corporate version of Bay to breakers events from ING direct

If you were there and would like to share your experiences in more detail - Blog to our Bay to breakers group on Vox

Yay to Bay to Breakers 2007!