San Francisco’s Bay to Breakers has always been a celebration of the city’s eclectic spirit, and the race on Sunday drew its typical runners who mingled alongside video game characters, superheroes, farm animals, and pretty much every costume in between.
From the Embarcadero to Ocean Beach, San Francisco streets came alive with creativity, humor, and community.
Local bands and DJs kept spirits high with festive beats along the route; From house beats to rock, the eclectic mix of music reflected the diversity of San Francisco itself. Participants danced their way through water stations and took impromptu breaks to join impromptu street parties. The sense of camaraderie was palpable, with strangers high-fiving and posing for pictures together.
The footrace has been part of San Francisco for more than a century, with the first costume spotted 28 years after its inaugural race in 1912; The man dressed as Captain Kidd finished dead last but inspired many to follow in his footsteps. Now it is more like an athletic-themed Mardis Gras:
In a city known for its individuality, Bay to Breakers proved once again this year that when it comes to celebrating life, San Franciscans do it best. From the first runner to the last walker, everyone who participated contributed to the vibrant tapestry that makes Bay to Breakers an iconic event.
Courtney Muro is a San Francisco-based content strategist, producer, designer, and creator. She took all photos for this story. Saul Sugarman contributed words.
The Bold Italic is a non-profit media organization that’s brought to you by GrowSF, and we publish first-person perspectives about San Francisco and the Bay Area. Donate to us today.
More photos from Bay to Breakers 2024
