I wanted to remind everyone that our city’s annual party on foot is this Sunday (aka The Bay to Breakers race). While it doesn’t technically run through the Richmond, walking into the park just off Fulton Street is a great place to watch the madness roll by. And remember that Golden Gate park will be closed to through traffic that day, so if you’re thinking of heading South out of the city that morning, plan ahead and find an alternate route.
The Chronicle had an article this morning about the city’s efforts to clean up the race by prohibiting certain forms of alcohol. I know it seems crazy to mention a running race and alcohol in the same sentence, but in the case of the Bay to Breakers, they go hand in hand. Racers push grocery carts containing kegs, inventive float operators assemble mobile bars on wheels that serve drinks throughout the race, and neighbors along the race route are known to invite their friends to stop for an early morning beer as they work their way towards the Ocean Beach breakers. It’s one big party, but the city, and some residents, have had enough, driving them to ban galss bottles and beer kegs from the race altogether.
“We embrace the fun, the color, the atmosphere, but we need to have an event that’s safe and respectful to the city,” said Angela Fang, who manages the race for international sports and entertainment conglomerate AEG. “We had to make some adjustments to keep this event alive.”
Like any good city issue, there is already an opposing group established to preserve the traditions of the 98 year old race. The Citizens for the Preservation of the Bay 2 Breakers website want racers to “participate as usual, hold your ground!”. They even have a lengthy positioning statement.
I personally don’t think the authorities will be able to crack down on alcohol in the race; it will just take on different forms or go “underground” in camelbak packs and thermoses. For the sake of all those involved – be it racers, city officials, organizers or city residents – let’s keep it safe and as clean as possible. No one wants to see a racer puking on the edge of the race course or urinating in the gutter.
What do you think? Does the boozy atmosphere of the last few years concern you or take away from the spirit of the race? Or should we all not worry about it and just be grateful they’re on foot and not on wheels?
Sarah B.