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Bay to Breakers 2025

Bay to Breakers 2025 in San Francisco.

May 18, 2025 → May 18, 2025

A crowd of marathon runners jogging in two road lanes in the middle of a city street during a marathon
  • from $4.10/day
  • Rated 4.9 (707,467+ reviews)
  • $10,000 protection
  • Free cancellation
  • 15,000+ locations globally
  • from $4.10/day
  • Rated 4.9 (707,467+ reviews)
  • $10,000 protection
  • Free cancellation
  • 15,000+ locations globally

Where to drop your bags near Bay to Breakers 2025?

Bounce can help with securely store your bags while you enjoy the event.

Bay to Breakers 2025 exclusive discount

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Bay to Breakers 2025

San Francisco’s wildest footrace is back! Bay to Breakers 2025 takes over the streets of San Francisco on May 18, 2025. This isn’t your typical 12K – expect outrageous costumes, live entertainment, and one massive moving party.

The race gets its name from its unique course, which takes runners from San Francisco Bay to the Pacific Ocean ("the breakers"), crossing the city in a one-of-a-kind celebration of fitness, fun, and free-spirited energy. If you're ready to get weird, gather your friends, dress up, and prepare for an adventure that’s been breaking records since 1912.

History of Bay to Breakers

Bay to Breakers was born in 1912, created to boost morale after the 1906 earthquake. What started as a serious footrace has since evolved into one of the most iconic, costumed, and free-spirited races in the world. Over the years, it’s seen world records, celebrity runners, and even the birth of “centipede” racing, where teams of 13+ runners are tethered together.

And if you’re wondering whether this race has a competitive side – yes, it does! But for most participants, it’s more about fun than finishing times.

What to Expect at Bay to Breakers 2025

This is a moving spectacle that brings tens of thousands of runners, walkers, and costumed characters together for a full day of celebration.

Race Weekend Schedule

  • Friday & Saturday: Packet pickup and last-minute registration
  • Sunday, May 18:
  • Race Start: 8:00 AM at Howard & Main Street
  • Finish Line Festival: At Ocean Beach, featuring post-race festivities

Bay to Breakers 2025 Race Course

The 12K course runs from downtown San Francisco to the Pacific Ocean. Along the way, you’ll experience some of SF’s most famous spots:

  • Howard Street & Main Street – The official race start
  • Infamous Hayes Street Hill – A killer incline, but worth the challenge
  • Golden Gate Park – A much-needed scenic stretch
  • Great Highway & Ocean Beach – The final stretch and the finish line festival

You'll get to run through the streets of one of America’s greatest cities, whether you're here for the post-race meal and beverage or pushing boundaries and breaking records.

Bay to Breakers 2025 Registration & Fees

Want to secure your spot? Register for 2025 early for the best prices.

  • Standard entry – Includes a race bib, finisher's medal, and event T-shirt
  • VIP option – Skip the lines and enjoy extra perks like race-day hospitality
  • Group entry – Bring your friends and join the party together

Sign up on the official registration page, and don’t forget to purchase merchandise and add VIP access during registration.

How to Get to Bay to Breakers 2025

San Francisco isn’t the easiest city to drive in, so plan your travel accordingly:

  • By public transitBART and MUNI provide easy access to the start line at Howard & Main Street. The closest BART stations are Embarcadero and Montgomery, both a short walk from the race start. MUNI Metro lines and bus routes also serve the area.
  • By car – Limited parking is available near Howard & Main Street, but spaces fill up quickly. Arrive early or park in a nearby garage and use public transit. Consider reserving a spot in advance.
  • By bike or scooter – San Francisco has numerous docking stations for bikes and scooters near the start line and along the race route. If you’re staying in the city, this is a convenient option.
  • By Air – If you're flying in, San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is about 30 minutes away by car, taxi, or BART. Oakland International Airport (OAK) is another option, with BART service connecting to downtown San Francisco.

For real-time transit updates and race-day road closures, check the official Bay to Breakers website before heading out.

Bay to Breakers 2025 Bag Policy

Before heading to the Breakers race, know what you can and can’t bring.

Allowed Items

  • Small backpacks, hydration packs, and fanny packs
  • Costumes that don’t block other runners
  • Phones and headphones for music

Prohibited Items

  • Large backpacks or oversized bags
  • Alcohol, glass containers, and outside food
  • Anything that could obstruct or slow down other runners

Check the official Bay to Breakers website for more details.

Bay to Breakers 2025 Bag Storage

Travel light and enjoy the race hassle-free!

Bounce has you covered with safe and affordable bag storage locations near the race.

  • Affordable storage – Drop your bag for as little as $4.10 per day
  • Safe & secure – Your items are covered with $10,000 of protection
  • Convenient locations – Easily find storage near the race start and finish

How to Store Your Bags with Bounce

  1. Book online – Reserve your spot before race day
  2. Drop off your bag – Find a secure location near you
  3. Enjoy the race – Pick up your belongings when you're ready

Tips to Make the Most of Bay to Breakers 2025

  • Prepare for the hills – The infamous Hayes Street Hill is where runners separate from the walkers. It’s steep, it’s long, and it’s legendary. If you don’t want to be gasping for air halfway up, get some hill training in before race day. Or embrace the San Francisco spirit – power-walk it with confidence and soak in the cheers from SF’s crowds.
  • Bring your friends – This is a moving costume party. Some participants are here to push boundaries and break records, while others are here to bring the fun. Dress up, bring your best energy, and get cheered on every step of the way. If you're new, just know that you'll likely see everything from superhero squads to full marching bands running the course.
  • Stay for the post-race festivities – The finish line at Ocean Beach isn’t just about catching your breath. It’s the start of a massive post-race celebration. Grab a post-race meal and beverage, hang out with fellow runners, and enjoy the classic Bay to Breakers energy. San Francisco doesn’t do quiet race endings: stick around for food, drinks, music, and whatever else the city decides to throw into the mix.
  • Take in the sights – Bay to Breakers gives you a 12K tour of San Francisco, from downtown’s skyscrapers to the painted Victorian homes in Alamo Square, and finally, the sweeping views at Ocean Beach. If you’ve never visited SF, this race doubles as one of the most unique ways to see the city.
  • Plan your post-race fuel – After burning off all those calories (or just surviving the course in an elaborate costume), it’s time to refuel like a true San Franciscan. Try a Mission-style burrito, a fresh crab sandwich at Fisherman’s Wharf, or a stop at one of the city's famous bakeries.

Get your race bib, t-shirt, and VIP perks, and get ready for a day of fun, fitness, and total chaos. Spots fill up fast, so visit your account to purchase merchandise and add VIP benefits. See you at the starting line!

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All you need to know

  • What day is Bay to Breakers 2025?

    Bay to Breakers 2025 is scheduled for Sunday, May 18.

  • Can you do Bay to Breakers for free?

    No, participating in the Bay to Breakers race is not free. You need to register and pay a registration fee to officially take part in the race. This fee covers various logistical aspects of the race such as security, race setup, stations along the course, and the post-race festivities.

  • How long is Bay to Breakers route?

    The Bay to Breakers route is 12 kilometers long, which is approximately 7.5 miles. This historic race takes participants from the eastern part of San Francisco near the San Francisco Bay, through the city, and all the way west to the Great Highway where the Pacific Ocean breaks at Ocean Beach.

  • Do you need tickets for Bay to Breakers?

    Yes, you need to register and purchase a ticket to participate in the Bay to Breakers race.

  • How long does it take to walk from Bay to Breakers?

    The Bay to Breakers race spans 12 kilometers (7.46 miles). Walking this distance typically takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on individual pace and the event's festive atmosphere. ​

  • Is Bay to Breakers worth it?

    Many participants find Bay to Breakers to be a unique and enjoyable experience, celebrated for its lively costumes, traditions, and the opportunity to traverse San Francisco's diverse neighborhoods. The event is renowned for its festive and unconventional atmosphere. ​

  • Why do people throw tortillas at Bay to Breakers?

    The tradition of throwing tortillas at the start of Bay to Breakers is a long-standing practice, though its exact origins are unclear. Participants toss tortillas among the crowd as a playful way to pass time before the race begins. ​

  • Do you have to pay for Bay to Breakers?

    Yes, registration is required to officially participate in Bay to Breakers. Registration fees vary, and early registration often offers discounted rates. For instance, in previous years, registration fees started at $39.99, with prices increasing closer to the event date. ​

  • How far is the Bay to Breakers 2025?

    The 2025 Bay to Breakers race is scheduled for May 18, 2025, and will cover the traditional distance of 12 kilometers (7.46 miles). Additionally, there is a "Breakers Bonus" option, extending the race to 15 kilometers (9.32 miles) for those seeking an extra challenge. ​

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