7.5 miles
55,000 runners
100th annual footrace 
Beachballs and flying tortillas
Oompah Loompahs, birthday suits, and much, much more.
Only in The City. 

BACKGROUND:  Bay to Breakers began as an effort to lift San Francisco's spirits in the years following the catastrophic 1906 earthquake.  More recently, it has become known as a roving party in which participants may choose to wear costumes or choose to wear nothing at all.  The race starts in downtown San Francisco with a view of the Bay Bridge and participants run, walk, crawl, or stumble 7.46 miles to the beach or breakers of the Pacific Ocean.  2011 marked a renewed effort to ban alcohol and floats.  Also in 2011, the beginning of the wave start or corrals.


MAY 15, 2011:  Dorna, Mil, Marlene, Gwen, Pacita, Diane, and Jennie have participated before.  Myself and Alice are newbies.  Also participating this year are several family members and friends of Sisters of Stockton.  While most of us gathered at Corral D, a few of our well-trained family members (Scottie and the Dia-nettes - aka Diane, Whitney, & Lauren) were ready and able at Corral A.

After the traditional tortilla tossing (OUCH, those soared like flying saucers and hurt!), the race started and we were off.  Past the streets and skyscrapers of San Francisco, up Hayes Hill and surrounding residential neighborhoods, and enter the lawns and forests of Golden Gate Park.  Past Buca di Beppo where we had our pasta/carb feast the night before.  Past balconies, porches, and stoops full of well wishers (or were they wishing they were well?).  Past 1200 port-o-potties.  Past the dj's, the boom boxes, the live bands ... from heavy metal to pop to oldies to rap.  Past the bars which were open at 6 am (or did they even close from the night before?).  Past butterflies, the Muppets, Jeannies/Genies, Marios, men in speedos, Lincecum lookalikes, women dressed as black or white swans, gorillas, Sponge Bob, Spiderman, many Elvis(s), and the countless other costumes.  And yes, past nude men.  Passed quickly.  Someone said there were 400 nude men and less than 10 nude women.  Past the "fun police" who were asking participants to dump their beer or alcohol yet ignoring that distinct smell of weed (medicinal, of course). 

Nonetheless, this is a serious race.  For some.  To validate that point, the first place males came from Morocco, Ethiopia, and Kenya.  Elite runners, finishing under 35 minutes.  We were in good company.  Participants were as diverse as the costumes.  There were babies in strollers and seniors using canes.  The route itself was a lesson in meteorology and microclimates.  The forecast called for thunderstorms and heavy rain.  From start to finish we experienced cold, wind, clouds, mist, rain, fog, sun, warmth, and blue skies.  It was a perfect day for a race.

Water stops and first aid stations were a blur.  Mile markers were a blur.  Bare butts were a blur.  Slowly but surely, my walking/jogging partner Jennie and I made it through each mile marker.  Some of my sisters had already finished, some were ahead, some were behind.  But we were all in it TOGETHER.

Congratulations to Scottie, Whitney, Diane, Lauren, Bowen, Eric, Pacita, Ashlee, Dorna & Ryan, Jennie, Gwen, & Alice.  Sharing this race with you all was amazing & unforgettable! Happy Anniversary to the Yamadas! Happy Birthday to Ryan and Marlene!  Happy Graduation to Lauren and BJ! Hola to Carmen and Preston in Cabo (you were missed!).  Thank you Mil, Gerard, and Lou for dim sum happiness.  Thank you Myrna for your kindness & hospitality.  Special shout out & salamat to Stockton - George & Rainey, my homies.  Gracias mi amor, Nick, por tu cariño.  One great race & reunion, so many celebrations, so many good times.  

Above:  Watch out for the flying tortillas! 
Below:  Scroll below for slideshow (Rated G) ...