Get ready for San Francisco’s annual Bay to Breakers 12k race event this Sunday May 15th at 7am from the Howard/Beale destination and ends at the western side of Golden Gate Park, totaling 7.46 miles.

The event is famous for its high number of participants and attention grabbing costumed runners. But it also draws negative attention due to the use of alcohol in public. This year, Bay to Breakers is cracking down on the number of non-registered participants, use of floats and alcohol. There will be an increase of security along with harsh penalties for alcoholic consumption during the public event.

Increased complaints from residence about unruly behavior and public display of drunkenness have led San Francisco mayor Ed Lee to increase police numbers for security.

“Participants don't have to behave badly. They don't have to be urinating on people's lawns and vomiting all over the place, said Lee.

The sold out event includes 50,000 capped participants, over 250 volunteers, and an estimated 100,000 total attendance are expected to join the festivities including racers from over 40 countries around the world. The race holds a long history going back to 1912, making this year its 100th anniversary. Onlookers can expect to see a more behaved crowd amongst the full array of costumes ranging from salmon, pirates, to nude runners who call themselves Bare to Breakers. The new precautions are to heighten the quality for this year and future events.

Some recommended viewing areas include the Embarcadero station, the top of Hayes Street Hill, Conservatory at Golden Gate Park, and obviously the finish line where mass costumed participants will gather for the conclusion of the race.

This year’s Bay to Breakers’ title sponsor is Zazzle and the race is owned by billionaire Philip Anschultz of AEG Entertainment.

California