Tens of thousands of people will be hitting the streets this Sunday, May 17th, 2026, for yet another memorable Bay to Breakers race in San Francisco!
The historic 12k (7.45-mile) footrace, famous for its party atmosphere, has been a local tradition for over a century. Here’s what to know about the 2026 rendition.
How to participate in Bay to Breakers 2026
Bay to Breakers kicks off at 8 am at Main Street and Howard in the Financial District, cruising through Yerba Buena, Civic Center, the Lower Haight, the Panhandle, and Golden Gate Park before finishing at the Great Highway along Ocean Beach.
Everyone from serious runners to casual walkers dons their best costumes for the epic race through San Francisco. The entire route is lined with live music and entertainment, becoming something of a citywide block party.
Most race registration windows have already passed, but you can still register for the last-minute price of $115.95 for the 12k. Registration includes a finisher’s medal, t-shirt, chip-timed results, water/aid stations, and access to the finish line festival.
Even if you aren’t a runner, you can have an equally memorable experience as a spectator. Thousands of people show up to cheer on runners and enjoy music, festivities, and day drinking on the sidelines.
More about Bay to Breakers
Bay to Breakers held its first footrace in 1912, organized to raise people’s spirits as the city rebuilt after the 1906 earthquake. Not only is it one of the world’s oldest footraces, but it also held the record as the world’s largest footrace for 24 years. The 1986 race saw over 110,000 people participate.
Today, the race is still famous for its wild traditions, including eccentric costumes, which came into play in the 1980s, and “centipede” groups running tethered together, which began in 1978.
Learn more: BayToBreakers.com
