Organizers of next month’s ING Bay to Breakers race in San Francisco are encouraging people planning to bring a float to the race to register by the April 30 deadline or else the float will not be allowed on the course.
It is the 99th-annual version of the 12-kilometer race, which is known to have both serious, world-class runners competing, followed by serious partying by thousands of people walking the course in flamboyant costumes, and some people wearing no clothing at all.
However, it will be the first year that registration of floats will be strictly enforced, with unregistered floats being pulled off the course, event spokeswoman Christy Seto said.
“In previous years, people were encouraged to register, but it was not as strictly enforced,” Seto said.
Registration is $250 per float, which includes entry wristbands for 20 participants. Each additional participant associated with the float will cost $15. The person who signs up for the group will receive a package prior to the race that includes the wristbands for their group.
The cost for people participating in the floats is still far below the registration price for individual participants, which will be as high as $55, Seto said.
About 62,000 people participated in last year’s event, but only half of them registered, according to event organizers.
About 25 to 35 floats participated in the 2009 race, and Seto said she hoped at least that many would sign up and participate again.
There are some restrictions for floats, which cannot be longer than 12 feet, taller or wider than 8 feet, cannot be motorized, cannot have Mylar balloons or other objects that conduct electrical currents, and cannot be used to store or transport alcohol.
The race starts near downtown near the Embarcadero, the “Bay” in the event’s title, and travels 7.46 miles through the city to the “Breakers” of Ocean Beach.
Registration applications are available at www.ingbaytobreakers.com.
