40 years ago, Bay to Breakers broke a world record

"Forty years ago, in 1986, the race became remarkable for another reason: It was recognized by the Guinness World Records as the world's largest footrace. It was Bay to Breakers' 75th year, and an estimated 110,000 runners took to the streets. In typical Bay to Breakers fashion, only around 79,000 were actually registered."

"The day prior, the Chronicle estimated that 85,000 would run. The race was so crowded that it took some runners half an hour to cross the starting line after the gun fired, recalls Peter Hartlaub, the San Francisco Chronicle's culture critic. The morning of May 18, 1986, was foggy and blustery. Newspaper photos show Fell Street swarmed with participants, with a large, homemade whale's tail poking up above the throng."

"To survey the action, local news media deployed three helicopters. KPIX-TV dedicated a reporter to chase down centipedes, teams of runners who wear attached costumes. That year's race broke other records, too. Grete Waitz, the 1984 Olympic marathon medalist, set the women's record when she finished in 38 minutes and 46 seconds. Ed Eyestone, a former BYU track star, set the men's record with a time of 34 minutes and 32.5 seconds."

"Some participants will don salmon costumes and run the race in the opposite direction; a small but reliable contingent will run Bay to Breakers in the nude, save for their running shoes. Bay to Breakers, San Francisco's anything-goes road race, returns to San Francisco on Sunday."

Bay to Breakers returns to San Francisco on Sunday. Some participants plan to wear salmon costumes and run in the opposite direction, while a smaller group runs nude except for running shoes. In 1986, the race became recognized by Guinness World Records as the world’s largest footrace, marking the event’s 75th year. An estimated 110,000 runners took to the streets, though about 79,000 were registered. Participation had risen from 27,000 in 1981, and the 1986 turnout exceeded expectations. The foggy, blustery morning drew heavy crowds that delayed runners at the start. Media coverage included helicopters, and runners wore elaborate costumes. Grete Waitz set the women’s record, and Ed Eyestone set the men’s record.

Read at SFGATE