If you have spent any time in San Francisco, have friends who live there, or have done some of the San Francisco tours, chances are good that you have heard of the Bay-to-Breakers event . The May 17th twelve mile fun run is approaching its 100th anniversary, establishing it as one of the oldest running races in the country. Multiple thousands either participate or join the party as spectators as the wave of people pass from the Embarcadero Center at the San Francisco Bay, through the heart of the city and end up where the Golden Gate Park meets the Pacific Ocean 7.5 miles later. The race has maintained its popularity all this time by being known more for the “fun” at the back of the pack of participants than the race at the front amongst the world-class athletes. And the costumed runners and push-along mini-floats are what make the event such a spectator draw as well.
But this year, city officials are planning to check most of that fun at the starting gate after weighing building complaints from some participants concerned for safety, residents who dislike the noise, congestion and rowdy behavior, and the business owners and civic leaders who have been mounting a growing campaign against the debauchery. City officials and race organizers have relented and this year’s race will be dramatically more subdued as a result. Alcohol, which has been a large part of the festive atmosphere, is now banned entirely. In fact, imbibing on the route or displays of public intoxication will be cited. Gone are the fun mini-floats which people pushed along and rode in, usually as an integral aspect of their “team” theme. And all of the trash that was shed along the course will no longer be tolerated, making participants more responsible for discarding trash responsibly in receptacles which there will be far more of to make that possible.
But removing the elements that are the essence of the race may compromise its future. The race brings in millions of dollars in visitor revenue with sixty-five thousand runners and one hundred thousand spectators, but pulling the fun out of the event from one year to the next threatens its chances of survival. It may find itself a victim of its own success and the rules change could mean that in the future it may only exist in the hearts and minds of those who experienced it or those listening to their San Francisco tour guides as they describe what used to be the wonderful Bay-to-Breakers race which helped to define the sense of freedom that San Franciscans used to know.
