Bay to Breakers

Bay to Breakers is San Francisco's most famous footrace and probably its silliest. Thousands of runners and walkers cross the city from near the Embarcadero to Ocean Beach, many in costume. Centipede teams run tied together. Elite runners race at the front while the crowd behind them treats the morning like a parade. The race says it has been running since 1912.

The 2027 race is on Sunday, May 16, 2027, according to the official race site. On November 2, 2026, registration was open and the first price tier was almost sold out. For Palo Alto runners the hard part is not the hill on Hayes Street. It is getting to a downtown start line before 8 a.m. on a Sunday. This guide covers both. For other races through the year, see our running races calendar.

The race in brief

The course runs about 7.45 miles from Howard and Fremont Streets in downtown San Francisco to the Great Highway beside Ocean Beach. It passes through nine neighborhoods, climbs the Hayes Street hill just after mile 2 and then heads west through the Panhandle and the length of Golden Gate Park. The finish is downhill to the ocean. That last stretch is why the race is called Bay to Breakers.

• 12K. The classic distance, 7.45 miles.
• 15K Breakers Bonus. The 12K plus an extra 3K along the Great Highway, 9.32 miles, with an extra medal and one beer at the finish festival for those 21 and over.
• Centipedes. Teams of at least 13 runners connected together, a tradition since 1978.
• Hayes Hill Challenge. A timed half-mile climb that starts just after mile 2.
• Virtual run. For people who cannot be in the city on race day.

Registration includes a finisher's medal, an event shirt, aid stations, chip timing and entry to the finish festival.

2027 schedule and prices

The expo is at Sports Basement in the Stonestown Galleria. Every participant must pick up a bib there unless they paid for packet mailing or bought the VIP add-on. Plan a Thursday evening or Saturday trip to Stonestown, which is about a 35 minute drive up Interstate 280 from Palo Alto.

Prices rise in tiers. On November 2, 2026 the race listed these totals, which include processing fees:

The VIP add-on was $109 and includes race day bib pickup, gear check, a pre-race meal and a post-race meal and drink. Gear check is not offered to other runners. All fees are non-refundable, including if the race is cancelled for an emergency. Check the 12K page for the current tier before you register.

Getting to the start from Palo Alto

Caltrain

For the 2026 race, the race site listed a special Caltrain, train 901, leaving Palo Alto at 6:18 a.m. (or when full) and arriving in San Francisco by 7 a.m. A second special left San Jose at 6:04 a.m. Expect a similar plan for 2027, but the race and Caltrain had not posted 2027 details when we checked. From 4th and King it is a 1.4 mile walk to the start, about 30 minutes, which doubles as a warmup. You can also ride Muni Metro from King Street to Embarcadero station, two blocks from the start. Palo Alto to San Francisco is a three-zone fare, $9.00 from January 1, 2027. Our Caltrain guide explains fares and Clipper.

Race shuttles

In 2026 the race sold round-trip shuttle seats for $30 plus a service fee from Millbrae BART, with pickup from 6:30 to 7 a.m. and a return from 46th Avenue and Lincoln Way between 11:30 a.m. and noon. Parking at Millbrae is not included. Post-race shuttles from the Great Highway to Embarcadero BART or downtown cost $18 plus a fee. All shuttle seats must be bought online in advance.

Driving

Driving to the start is possible but slow. Streets around Howard and Fremont close early and the race does not recommend drop-offs near the start. If you must drive, the race points runners to prebooked garage parking through SpotHero in the Financial District and SoMa. Remember that your car will be across town from the finish.

Getting home from the finish

The finish is at 1000 Great Highway, near the west end of Golden Gate Park. In 2026 Muni added extra N Judah trains, N Judah express buses to Civic Center BART and extra 5R Fulton Rapid buses after the race. The N Judah runs all the way back to 4th and King, so it is the simplest way to reach Caltrain. Expect crowds and long lines in the first hour after noon. Our Clipper guide covers paying for Muni, which costs $2.85 with Clipper.

Watching with kids

You do not need a ticket to watch. Good viewing spots include the Panhandle and the roads through Golden Gate Park, where the costumes are easy to see and there is more room than at the start. The Hayes Street hill is the classic cheering spot. Remember that strollers cannot go on the course, so families with babies should plan to watch rather than walk. For a family-friendly race in Palo Alto itself, see the Moonlight Run.

Food near the start and finish

Near the start, the Ferry Building is a short walk away and has coffee and bakeries for after the race or before the expo. At the ocean end, Beach Chalet on the Great Highway brews its own beer and serves lunch with a view of the surf. Expect a wait on race day. Irving Street in the Inner Sunset, along the N Judah line, has many casual restaurants on the way back to the train. Our Golden Gate Park guide has more ideas.

Training and race tips

1. Register early. Each price tier sells out and the final tier costs much more.
2. Train for the hill. Hayes Street is short but steep. Repeats on the Stanford Dish or Page Mill Road help. Our running routes guide has local options.
3. Seed yourself accurately. Pick a wave that matches your pace so you are not weaving through walkers.
4. Plan your morning around the train. Lay out your bib and clothes the night before. The early special does not wait.
5. Stay over if you prefer. Downtown hotels near the start can fill up on race weekend. You can compare San Francisco hotels and walk to the start instead.

For the rest of the month, see our guide to Palo Alto in May.

Frequently asked questions