San Francisco

2009 ING Bay to Breakers Policies

Updates posted on February 27, 2009

From Ingrid Taylar, for About.com

2009 Regulations for ING Bay to Breakers Race

The following new regulations for the 2009 ING Bay to Breakers race are reprinted from an official press release from the Office of the Mayor of San Francisco:

The following revised policies have been made to the 98th ING Bay to Breakers, as well as future races:

  • Shared enforcement of city ordinances regarding alcohol. Anyone publically drinking alcohol or displaying public drunkenness on or along the race course will be subject to the laws of California. Race organizers will coordinate with the San Francisco Police Department to proactively remove kegs and glass bottles of alcohol from the race course.
  • Wheeled objects and floats will be permitted on the course, with new provisions for safety. Wheeled objects and floats owners must register and start at the race starting line behind all runners and walkers. There will be no charge for floats, but the participants who carry or use them must register at http://www.ingbaytobreakers.com1. Wheeled objects and floats cannot be motorized and may not be used to transport or store alcohol. Float owners are directed to act responsibly toward the environment and dispose of their floats in dumpsters along the route near the end of the race.
  • In addition, race organizers, along with city officials, strongly urge participants to register for this year’s race. Registration fees pay for the necessary infrastructure – including portable toilets and dumpsters – to ensure a safe, clean race course for participants and spectators alike. Early registration and group discounts are available at www.ingbaytobreakers.com2 as well as instructions on entering floats in the race.

“We believe we have achieved a ‘win-win’ for the City, the community and race organizers in terms of balancing the traditions and safety of one of San Francisco’s most vibrant and longstanding events,” said Mayor Gavin Newsom. “We encourage everyone to show their respect and support for the race by joining us in the celebration on May 17.”

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