The College Student’s Guide to Bay to Breakers
Bay to Breakers, one of the most exciting annual events in San Francisco, is taking place on Sunday May 15, 2016. This 12K (7.46 mile) footrace starts downtown at the Embarcadero and ends along the Great Highway at Ocean Beach. Here are some things to remember if you plan on being a part of the fun this weekend.
1. Although it is an actual race that people register for and intend on running, if you’re a broke college student that just want to have some fun, you don’t need to register to have a good time. Being a spectator is just as fun as doing the entire 7.5 mile journey. As long as you show up anywhere near or along the racecourse, there will be tons of things to do and people to see. A great place to join the race is at the Panhandle because people gather there for a huge party and celebrate the half way mark. (If you do want to register for the race to receive perks like a t-shirt and finishers medal, adults 18+ are $69.99 and groups of 13 or more are $64.99 each)
2. One of the best parts about Bay to Breakers is dressing up in basically anything and everything you’d like. Always had something that you wanted to wear but didn’t have a time to wear it? Wear it at Bay to Breakers. Don’t have a costume to wear? Dig through old Halloween costumes and put something together. Or head down to Goodwill or Mendels on Haight and I challenge you to spend under $10 for an entire costume. Although it may be great to have a better costume than everyone else, no college student really has 70 bucks to blow on a full suit that is going to be worn once or twice. Be creative and don’t stress about what to wear! (Side note: the weather is unpredictable and Karl is known to make an appearance towards the end of the race so dress accordingly. It might be a good idea to bring a jacket!)
3. Finally, there is no way in hell you are going out on the Saturday night before Bay to Breakers, and if you do I give you huge props. The race officially starts at 8a.m. but I suggest getting up earlier to get ready and prepare before heading out. Drink lots of water, sleep early, and set your alarm! Last year, Karl the Fog on twiiter couldn’t have said it any better,
“Twas the night before #BayToBreakers
when all through the city
not a person was drinking
saving tomorrow to get shitty”
Happy Bay to Breakers!