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An estimated 62,000 runners and rompers took over San Francisco’s streets during a particularly hot Bay to Breakers 12k run yesterday with Sammy Kitwara, 22, of Kenya breaking the race record by running the course in 33 minutes and 31 seconds.
First place winner Kitwara beat two-time champion John Korir, 33, of Kenya who placed fourth. Kitwara won $40,000.
Teyba Erkesso, 26, of Ethiopia ran the race in 38 minutes and 29 seconds and placed first among the women, beating last year’s women’s champion Lineth Chepkurui, 21, of Kenya, who placed second by seven seconds.
The exuberantly costumed crowd that came to join in the race or just watch seemed to be on its best behavior, according to the Police Department.
Police detained six people for about four hours for being drunk in public, but no one was arrested, police Sgt. Lyn Tomioka said.
Tomioka also said Sunday she had not heard of any public urination complaints, which was a major problem with last year’s race from downtown San Francisco to Ocean Beach.
Organizers for the 98th annual marathon initially issued a zero-tolerance policy on alcohol, floats and nudity in February because the year prior drew so many community grievances.
About 25,000 boozers and partiers signed an online petition to boycott if the bans were not lifted.
About two weeks later, after several meetings with law enforcement, Mayor Gavin Newsom’s office and community groups, organizers lifted the bans but still kept strict regulations on floats and agreed to place about 700 portable toilets along the raceway.
Police also issued a zero-tolerance policy on glass bottles, kegs, public urination and public intoxication.
Bay City News,Jeb Bing
Bay City News,Jeb Bing
I ran my first Bay to Breakers in 1981, and ran this year wearing that t-shirt. This one will be most memorable for the heat. I and everyone around me were sweating profusely before the first mile marker. Hayes Street Hill was torture and the temptation to walk (just a bit, come on!) in Golden Gate Park was constant. But by the time I could feel that cool ocean breeze, I knew I would be able to run the whole course. I saw 3 naked (male) runners and 2 naked (female) spectators. Costumes galore, although some masks were shed as the race progressed. Lots of police on the sidelines with friendly smiles and lots of clapping. As usual, the bands along the course were fantastic.
It is something every bay area resident should do at least once in their lifetime. Preferably, more than once.
My dad ran it yesterday for the first time. He said he had never seen some many naked people in one area all of his life. Good times in SF!
Out of the 20 or so times I’ve run it, I never saw a single naked runner until 2 years ago. That year it seemed they were everywhere, and most of them looked really BAD!
AVHS Dad – “I saw 3 naked (male) runners”
Enough of a reason not for me to go. I see enough naked men in my gym locker room, no reason to waste a weekend to go see more voluntarily. Ha ha.
I hear you. I could do without them too.