Thousands participate in iconic Bay to Breakers race in San Francisco

Top 3 winners in the men's, women's and non-binary race announced
Sunday, May 21, 2023
SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- Only in San Francisco.

A famous footrace, that's rooted in fun, creativity, and a little weirdness, kicked off bright and early Sunday. The 110th running of the Bay to Breakers brought thousands to the city.

A chilly, foggy start to this year's Bay To Breakers. No way did it spoil the fun for more than 17,000 runners and walkers, including a group dressed as the Golden Gate Bridge and a wacky bunch of bananas.

The event started at Main and Howard Streets at 8 a.m., and ended at the Great Highway around noon.



It wasn't in the forecast but a storm blew in from the South Bay.



"We are from Mountain View and we are an atmospheric river," said the group of runners.





"It hasn't stopped raining all winter. We were hoping it would stop for today," said Amy Snell.



The Clemons family was celebrating their aunt's birthday.

"We're celebrating, doing something healthy, she's been on a health kick, so we're trying to support her," said Monette Clemons.

At the finish line, the party was just getting started.

Members of Nursing sorority Chi Eta Phi, had some thoughts on the unique, only in San Francisco 12K race.

"It's weird, it's a lot to see, it's invigorating, fun. We met a lot of interesting people," said Lucinda Allen.



One group from San Jose was proving they still have the beat, channeling the 80s and doing the GoGo's proud by recreating an iconic album cover.



"This is our seventh year taking part. Our pace gets slower every year, but we always dress up as strong, powerful female figures," said Sinead Mullins.

The annual takeover of city streets, lasted several hours with everyone getting the attention they deserve.
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Images on Twitter taken by ABC7's Cornell Barnard show people at the starting line and along the race route.





ABC7's Suzanne Phan also showed participants on the route, dressed up and ready to go.



The top three winners in the men's race in this year's Bay to Breakers are:

1st Place
Colin Bennie from San Francisco

2nd Place
Yemane Hailesellasie from Eritrea

3rd Place
William Fallini-Haas from Napa

Top three winners in Bay to Breakers 2023 in San Francisco, Calif. on Sunday, May 21, 2023. (William Haas, pictured left, Colin Bennie, middle, and William Fallini-Haas, right)

Erin Saberi / DP&A, Inc.



The top three winners in the women's race are:

Note: No picture available

1st Place
Sarah Anderson from Folsom

2nd Place
Clara Peterson from Larkspur

3rd Place
Sierra Brill from San Francisco

The top three winners in the non-binary race are:

1st Place
Cal Calamia from San Francisco

Bay to Breakers Non-binary winner, Cal Calamia, and end of race, holding his medal, in San Francisco, Calif. on Sunday, May 21, 2023.

Erin Saberi / David Perry & Associates, Inc



Note: This is Calamia's second win

RELATED: 1st non-binary San Francisco Bay to Breakers winner won more than just the race
1st non-binary San Francisco Bay to Breakers winner won more than just the race


2nd Place
JL Odom from San Francisco

3rd Place
Luca Fox from San Francisco

RELATED: Bay to Breakers: Here's what you need to know about SF's 2023 race

Barricades were put up across the entire city to block off streets.



Officials say those planning to be in the city can expect a lot of delays.

BART was running special service Sunday morning ahead of the race.
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"There may be demand for taxis along the race route, with the highest demand near the finish line. All post-race express Muni service ends at 2:00 p.m.," the SFMTA wrote on the event's website.
The truly San Francisco tradition features competitive and recreational runners as well as costumed participants and groups.

MORE: San Francisco's iconic Bay to Breakers race returns for 1st time since pandemic began
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The city's traditional running holiday is an annual race made for everyone.

Some runners participate by dressing up ...while others choose to dress down.

The first Bay to Breakers took place in 1912. Except for cancellations in 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic, the race has been going strong and attracting tens of thousands of participants.

To learn about the Bay to Breakers race, click here.

You can find additional information on the road closures from SFMTA and the RPD here.

Bay City News contributed to this report


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