2010 ♥ 99th Bay to Breakers (Part-1of 5): A True Spirit of San Francisco

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BAY TO BREAKERS HISTORY

At 5:13am on April 18, 1906, a devastating earthquake - destined to become one of history's most notorious natural disasters - rocked San Francisco. The subsequent fire and destruction were unimaginable, and many feared the City would never fully recover. But San Franciscans, displaying their typical fortitude and innovation, immediately began rebuilding the city and orchestrating events to lift their morale. One of those events, the Cross City Race - better known today as ING Bay to Breakers - was first run in 1912 as a precursor to the world-class athletic events planned for the 1915 Pan Pacific International Exposition. There were less than 200 participants in 1912, and Robert Jackson Vlught, a St. Mary's college student, was the first runner to cross the finish line, with a time of 44:10.

Since then, Bay to Breakers has prevailed as a testament to San Francisco's uniqueness and audacity. Each year the race is a glorious celebration of the human spirit - a giant wave of athleticism, fun, frivolity, and determination flowing across the City from the bay to the ocean. It is one of the largest footraces in the world with 65,000 + participants and 100,000 + spectators annually. As the race grew in size it even set a Guinness Book record, with 110,000 participants in 1986. The course is challenging and beautiful, and consistently attracts world class competitors. (The 2009 race was won by Kenyan Sammy Kitwara in a world record breaking time of 33:31) But it isn't just a race for the serious runner.

In the true spirit of San Francisco the race is a celebration for everyone. Thousands of costumed participants join with families, and weekend runners and walkers. As they make their way through the heart of San Francisco, energized by continuous bursts of live music, they are cheered on by thousands of spectators lining the route. They also have to dodge the "spawning salmon" which each year make their way from the Finish line, back through the masses, to the Start.

Throughout its long history Bay to Breakers has been a showcase for the City's irrepressible color and its affection for eclectic traditions. Although runners come from across the country and around the globe, the race is still a quintessential San Francisco experience and a true reflection of life between the breakers and the Bay.

(Note: The above account is from the "ING Bay to Breakers" website.)
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Background music:
We Are the Champions by Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
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