San Francisco's solid seven mile diameter and unique terrain both naturally lend themselves to being the perfect track for a race. Along with the city's eccentric personality, no event here would be complete without a fun flair.
After a two-year pause due to the COVID-19 quarantine, our San Francisco-original Bay to Breakers Race returned on Sunday, May 15th, complete with around 18,000 participants all decked out in the most creative, whimsical, and extravagant outfits.
See also: Our Favorite Creative And Artistic Cars From The San Francisco Soapbox Derby's Grand Return
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Since 1912, Bay to Breakers, first known as the "Cross City Race," has been a fundamental spectacle for athletes and creatively-fashionable residents alike to both get some cardio and have fun venturing across our hilly city.
After the devastating 1906 earthquake, San Francisco has been devoted to boosting the city's community moral and regain its distinct magical spirit, and today the iconic 12k feat remains as one of the most awaited yearly events which brings everyone together for a day of costumed enjoyment.
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Comprehensively, over 2 million runners have completed the journey since its inception, and in 1986 the race even qualified for a Guinness World Record with over 100,000 participants!
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After COVID postponed the race for two years since 2019, it finally emerged again with a triumphant return beginning at 8 a.m. on the eastern Embarcadero coast of the city.
Once the race kicked off, everyone began their speedy stroll through all the districts, working their way up "heartbreak hill" near Hayes Street before coasting alongside the Panhandle all the way to Ocean Beach's Great Highway on the Western end.
Prizes were handed out for those in first, yet the entire day is considered a winning event simply for the joyous fun.
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It was a perfectly temperate day filled with humble smiles, neighborhood camaraderie, and of course, amusingly resplendent wardrobes. After the traditional race, many celebrated their completed workout all around the city bars from the Haight to the Castro, still donned in their wacky apparel.
See also: The Coolest San Francisco Bars For Frozen Cocktails & Boozy Slushies
From men dressed as Disney princesses, to coordinated superheroes and inflatable suits, here are a few of the most outstanding costumes seen around the city:
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Overall, the return of this event first created to unite the city after hardship did exactly that for this year. This is truly a winningly unique event that is both great for health and wonderfully San Francisco.
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Definitely start planning your costume for next year, as this race is here to stay and puts our city in first place.
See also: All The Most Stunning Fashion Worn At SF Ballet's “La Grande Fête" Gala
Photography by: Gabin Vallet/Unsplash
