Bay to Breakers Hash
Phallus in Wonderland!
May 14th -17th 2010

What is the Bay to Breakers hash weekend?

There are two parts to the Bay to Breakers Hash. First and foremost is the Bay to Breakers race itself, which is a single event (a 12 K run) on Sunday morning. The Hash celebrates this amazing event by arranging a series of parties over the entire weekend.  Note that the Bay to Breakers Hash event does not include entry into the official Bay to Breakers race .. go to http://www.ingbaytobreakers.com to enter that.

The Bay to Breakers race

The 12 kilometer race starts at 8:00 a.m. and typically has from 65,000 to 80,000 participants ranging from elite Kenyans to a horde of Elvises (Elvi?) and from babies in strollers to grandparents pushing them.

History

The Cross City Race – known today as Bay to Breakers – was first run in 1912 as a precursor to the world-class athletic events planned for the 1915 Panama Pacific International Exposition. There were less than 200 participants that first year. Since then, Bay to Breakers has prevailed as a testament to San Francisco’s uniqueness and audacity. 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 top athletes in the sport. 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, weekend runners and people just out for a stroll. As they make their way through the heart of San Francisco they are cheered by thousands of spectators and live music along the course.  Beer-laden floats, such as the renowned (and award-winning) Gropinator, contribute to the Mardi Gras nature of the event.  Although officially frowned upon, this event has traditionally been "clothing optional." Participants also have to dodge the "spawning salmon" who each year make their way from the Finish line, through the masses, to the Start.

The Bay to Breakers weekend is a great way to meet fellow hashers from all over California, other states (even Canada) and other countries. For some, it’s an annual reunion for friends far away. You won’t go hungry or thirsty. But it’s the people that make it so much fun. How can hanging with hundreds of hashers not be fun? If you’ve never been to the B-2-B event, just ask a fellow hasher about it. Check out the SFH3 web site (www.sfh3.com) for more info and pictures of the Bar-B-Q last year. You can sign up for the whole event or for individual nights/days. It is a weekend not to be missed.