Bay to Breakers is San Francisco’s best known footrace. It crosses the city from SoMa to Ocean Beach, and it has been run since 1912. The 2027 race is on Sunday, May 16, with 12K and 15K options.
In this guide
This page is part of our San Francisco events calendar.
Bay to Breakers at a glance
- 2027 date Sunday, May 16, 2027
- Distances 12K and 15K
- 2026 start 8am at Main and Howard streets
- Finish Ocean Beach on the Great Highway
- Running since 1912
- Official site baytobreakers.com
The route
In 2026 the race started at Main and Howard streets and went west on Howard to 9th Street, across Market to Hayes Street, then up the Hayes Street hill to Divisadero. From there runners turned onto Fell Street into Golden Gate Park and followed JFK Drive to the finish near the Ocean Beach parking lot on the Great Highway. The finish festival was near Fulton Street and the Great Highway.
SFMTA notes that the race has been run for more consecutive years over a given course and length than any other footrace in the world.
Registration
Register through baytobreakers.com. The race is known for costumes, but it is still a timed race, so follow the event rules on what you can bring.
Watching the race
The Hayes Street hill is a popular spot, since it is the steepest part of the course. The Panhandle and JFK Drive in Golden Gate Park are easier places to find room. See our Hayes Valley and neighborhood guide.
Getting there and back
For the 2026 race, the Market Street subway opened early at 6am, and BART ran extra early service to Embarcadero Station. Muni added express service from the finish back downtown after the race. Muni lines that cross the course were split in two during the race, including the 18, 28, 29 and 44 in Golden Gate Park. Check SFMTA closer to the date for 2027 service.
Tips
- Plan your way back from Ocean Beach before race day. It is a long way from the start.
- Mornings in May can be foggy at the coast, so bring a layer for the finish.
- Residents along the route should expect street closures for most of the morning.
Official resources: Bay to Breakers, SFMTA.
Frequently asked questions
When is Bay to Breakers 2027?
Sunday, May 16, 2027.
How long is Bay to Breakers?
There are 12K and 15K options.
Where does Bay to Breakers finish?
At Ocean Beach on the Great Highway, after a run through Golden Gate Park.
Photo credits
Featured image: Carnaval.com Studios / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0.