Mayor Newsom, ING Bay to Breakers Announce Revised Policies for 2009 Race
Agreement achieves balance of tradition and safety for May 17th event

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Posted Thursday, 5 March, 2009

From Ryan Lamppa, Running USA Media Director

SAN FRANCISCO - (February 27, 2009) - Following meetings with City of San Francisco city agencies, including the Office of Mayor, the Interdepartmental Staff Committee on Traffic and Transportation (ISCOTT) and Supervisor Ross Mirkarimi, AEG, race organizer for the ING Bay to Breakers, has announced revised policies to improve the safety and enjoyment of the race for runners, spectators and neighbors during this year's 98th running of the ING Bay to Breakers 12K on Sunday, May 17.

"We are pleased to have worked with the race organizers, neighborhood leaders, City Staff and supporters of the race to ensure that the fun aspects of the race are preserved while protecting our neighborhoods and ensuring the safety of race participants and citizens of San Francisco," said Mayor Gavin Newsom.

"We are honored by the widespread support we have received from the City of San Francisco to help us address safety, logistical and trash issues created by the race in years past while preserving the fun and zany character of the race," said Angela Fang, general manager for AEG, the race organizer of the ING Bay to Breakers race.

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 publicly 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 INGbaytobreakers.com. 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 INGbaytobreakers.com 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."

About ING Bay to Breakers 12K
Now in its 98th year, the ING Bay to Breakers 12K, a Running USA Founding Member, is one of the world's largest and oldest footraces, held annually in San Francisco, California. The name reflects the course which takes tens of thousands of participants from the northeast end of downtown San Francisco, near The Embarcadero (the "bay" side of the city), to the west end of the city and the "breakers" of Ocean Beach. The 7.46 mile (12 kilometer) race features world-class athletes in addition to costumed runners and 'fun-loving' folks out for a great day of running and walking through San Francisco. For more information, visit: INGbaytobreakers.com

Join the discussion or just stay up to date with news, fun facts and photos by visiting ING Bay to Breakers online at Facebook (http://tinyurl.com/b2bonfb), Flickr (www.flickr.com/photos/ingbaytobreakers/) or Twitter (http://twitter.com/INGB2Breakers).