Several notable runners will be competing in the Bay To Breakers, which begins at 7 a.m. Sunday near the Embarcadero.
Olympic silver medalist runner Meb Keflezighi will be racing to attempt to become the first American man to win Bay to Breakers since 1986.
“The Bay to Breakers race is one I have wanted to run for a long time,” Keflezighi said in a statement. “It will be very special to be a part of the 100th anniversary of this historic running event and lead tens of thousands of runners to the finish line.”
The defending women’s champion, Lineth Chepkurui, of Kenya, is hoping to score her third Bay to Breakers victory.
Oakland resident and the fifth fastest American woman of all time in the marathon, Magdalena Boulet, will also be among the 55,000 registered runners.
“It’s very special. Being an Oakland resident, it’s such a great opportunity to be in a local event that’s so well known.”
Boulet, who has finished in the top ten in Bay to Breakers before, is aiming to improve in this year’s challenge.
“I (will) try to be in the top three and squeeze in the podium,” she said.
She urges those not running in the race to come out and take part in the 100th anniversary celebration.
“It’s a wonderful event to be involved with whether you’re racing or living in the Bay Area,” Boulet said.
Those looking to get a head start on the action can opt to use public transportation because many agencies are offering earlier service on Sunday morning.
Four special northbound express trains will be available to Caltrain riders–departing at 5:10 a.m. at the Mountain View station and 5:20 a.m., 5:25 a.m., and 5:30 a.m. at the San Jose Diridon station. All of the special trains will make limited stops and arrive by 6:40 a.m., officials said.
BART has also scheduled service starting at 5 a.m., with Millbrae, Daly City and East Bay stations opening at about 4:40 a.m. for passengers to purchase tickets. The trains will be running at 20-minute intervals until 8 a.m., officials said.
Those taking BART from the Peninsula or San Francisco stations are encouraged to exit at the Montgomery Street station. Riders coming from the East Bay should use the Embarcadero station.
Four trips from Larkspur starting at 5:30 a.m. have been added for the Golden Gate Ferry to accommodate Bay to Breakers runners, officials said. Participants are advised to arrive early as tickets are not sold for a scheduled departure, and vessels will be boarded on a first come, first serve basis.
The Alameda/Oakland Ferry will also be running special service from Jack London Square in Oakland at 5:45 a.m., departing from the Main Street Ferry Terminal in Alameda at 6 a.m., and arriving at the San Francisco Ferry Building at 6:25 a.m., officials said.
Rachel Purdy, Bay City News
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