21.0975 km

Distance

305 m

Elevation Gain

2:12:00

Average Finish Time

38,000

Total Finishers

1912

Established

Rolling

Profile

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Course & Elevation

This iconic race runs from the San Francisco Bay waterfront at the Ferry Building across the entire city to the Pacific Ocean at Ocean Beach. The route features rolling hills through diverse neighborhoods including downtown, the Panhandle, and Golden Gate Park, offering spectators every few blocks and a festive, costume-filled atmosphere unlike any other race.

Surface: road Profile: Rolling

Weather

Temperature 16°C

Humidity 72%

Rain Chance 15%

Cool and crisp San Francisco spring weather with moderate fog possible in morning hours. Strong ocean winds can develop mid-race, especially toward Ocean Beach.

The Race

San Francisco

Race Lore

Running Since 1912

1912 Origin

First held in 1912, the Bay to Breakers is one of the oldest continuously held half marathons in the world. Over more than a century of racing, it has survived world wars, economic crises, and pandemics — a testament to the enduring spirit of the running community in San Francisco.

The Course Record

2018 Record

The fastest time ever recorded at the Bay to Breakers is 01:03:52, set by Belay Bekele in 2018. Every year, new contenders line up hoping to challenge that mark on the streets of San Francisco.

Running Through a Postcard

Course

The Bay to Breakers route is one of those courses where runners forget their pace and reach for their phones. The scenery through San Francisco and its surroundings has earned this race a reputation as one of the most photogenic in North America.

The Crowd Energy

Tradition

With 38,000 finishers and spectators lining the course deep, the Bay to Breakers generates an atmosphere that carries runners through the hard miles. The crowd support in San Francisco is not polite applause — it's visceral, personal, and often the difference between hitting the wall and breaking through it.

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Course Record

01:03:52

Belay Bekele (2018)

Registration

Registration Opens February

Registration Closes April

Entry Cost $65-$85

Official Website →

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Fun Facts

▸ Established in 1912, Bay to Breakers is one of the oldest continuously held footraces in the United States.
▸ The race is famous for its wildly creative costumes and party atmosphere, with over 100 official running groups in costume participating annually.
▸ Participants run from sea level at the Ferry Building to the ocean, crossing through Golden Gate Park and nine of San Francisco's neighborhoods.
▸ The event attracts runners from around the world and remains San Francisco's most iconic sporting event with as much festive spirit as competitive racing.

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