Austin Klar traces Bay to Breakers from its 1906 origins as a post-earthquake morale booster to today's world's largest footrace. The event evolved from a competitive race into a costume spectacle, with runners in elaborate outfits or minimal clothing covering the traditional Embarcadero to Great Highway route.
The most famous costume party in San Francisco grew out of one of the worst disasters in the city's history. Bay to Breakers is a footrace held every year in May, starting on the Embarcadero and ending at the Great Highway where breakers crash onto the beach, hence the name Bay to Breakers. The first Bay to Breakers was held in 1912 as a way to raise the city spirits after the 1906 earthquake and fire. They also wanted to build hype around the then upcoming 1915 Panama-Pacific International Exposition. And even though it's still a race and has held the world record for the largest footrace over the course of many decades, it's now an excuse for people to dress up in costumes or even nothing at all except shoes. This year's race is on May 17th, and it's definitely going to be a spectacle. Share this with someone who would appreciate the race's backstory and follow me for more San Francisco history.
