As previously reported, Bay to Breakers sat us all down and politely explained that there are gonna be a few changes around here, damn it. The iconic 12 K race, which an estimated 30,000 people will walk/run/stumble on Sunday beginning at 7 AM, has laid down the law — but that doesn’t mean that there isn’t fun to be had. Here’s what you need to know.
Cops, Cops, and More Cops
In the wake of the Boston Marathon bombings, security is set to be tight for the event. You already know that large bags, containers, or any carrier exceeding 8½-by-11-by-4 inches is not allowed at the event, which is expected to attract an additional 50,000 to 70,000 spectators.
The folks watching for those bags? “Pretty much everybody in Special Operations will be working, whether it’s a tactical team, small motorcycles or our horses,” SFPD Chief Suhr says. In addition, cops from 16 other agencies, including the FBI, are also expected.
SFPD will be monitoring temporary video cameras provided by the Northern California Regional Intelligence Center at the start and finish lines as well as on Hayes Street Hill. You can see a map of the entire course here.
Cops won’t just be watching from the sidelines — some are expected to be disguised in running garb, watching not just for forbidden backpacks but for people drinking alcohol (which is against the rules) or unregistered runners (ditto).
Even your trash will have eyes on it, as 60 garbage cans along the course have been replaced by transparent containers, so the vigilant can keep an eye on what’s inside.
Still, fun!
No matter how tight security may get or how many restrictions are set in place, you can be sure that Bay to Breakers is still its fun-loving, piss-happy self even if you’re not exactly feelin’ it. Running naked is still allowed (even despite SF’s nudity ban), which is fun depending on your tolerance for bouncing and/or flopping.
And though booze is forbidden, there are many, many places to purchase it along the course. Here’s a map, kindly provided by those scamps at SFist.
Getting There
Folks traveling around SF on Sunday have to contend with much more than a mass of drunkards and runners Sunday morning, however. Yeah, Tour of California picked a damn fine time to roll through the city, and from 6 AM to shortly after 8:30 AM, the Golden Gate Bridge will be reconfigured to accommodate those cyclists.
Many more streets will be closed for Bay to Breakers (you can see a list of the closures here). Driving may be maddening during the race but there are plenty of public transit options to get you through the event.
Muni will be adding additional services and special shuttles to get racers to and from the race and racers can buy a special Muni pass that grants them access on all Muni cars, save for cable cars. The $12 pass is valid from 4:45 AM to 5 PM.
Caltrain will also increase its services, streamlining trains from San Jose, Palo Alto, and Santa Clara before and after the race.
BART will also be ready to accommodate more riders, with large trains running from 5 AM to 8 AM at 20 minute intervals. Though BART is all about the glorified running party, they say you’ve still gotta dress appropriately for their classy trains.
Headed to the city by ferry? Special morning services will be in place, with ferry service from Vallejo, Oakland, and Alameda. Vallejo riders will depart at 5:30 AM and arrive at the Ferry Building at 6:30 AM while Oakland riders will leave at 5:45 AM and arrive at 6:25 AM. Alameda riders will leave the Main St. dock at 6 AM and get to SF at 6:25 AM. The ferry will be operating on its usual Sunday schedule throughout the afternoon.
And, finally…
The world is not your toilet, people. before you pee (or more) somewhere, ask yourself if you would pee there any other day of the year. If the answer is “no,” then don’t do it.
