Thousands pack San Francisco streets in Bay to Breakers
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. (KTVU) -- A Bay Area tradition kicked off just shortly after 8 a.m. Sunday in San Francisco.
It was the 104th running of the "Bay to Breakers."
Organizers say It's the oldest consecutively run annual footrace in the world, and a staple in San Francisco since 1912.
The race was expected to draw 50,000 runners, an increase from 40,000 in 2014.
This year's winners were Isaac Mukandi Mwangi of Kenya, with a time of 35:25. The women's winner was Jane Kibii at 40:04. She was born in Kenya, but had moved to the Sacramento-area.
Race observers say this year's "Bay to Breakers" seemed milder than years past, with fewer people running naked on the course. Safety was a top priority at the race, said San Francisco Police. Security measures included officers and alcohol checkpoints positioned along the race route.
The 12 kilometer race, approximately 7.5 miles, started at Main and Howard Streets, went over the infamous Hayes Street Hill, through Golden Gate Park, and finished at Great Highway.
Traffic was a concern, as several Muni bus lines were rerouted because of the race. Sections of major streets, including Divisadero, Hayes, Fell, and Fulton were closed throughout Sunday morning into late afternoon.