Bay to Breakers as We Know it No More

Famed SF race gets rid of the fun

San Francisco's wildest public party is about to be toned down a notch or nine.

Changes are coming to the 98th running of the the ING Bay to Breakers event in San Francisco on May 17and some people are not going to like it.

Starting this year there will be a zero tolerance policy on alcohol at the event. This mean no more running naked and blaming Uncle Jack for the oversight. Boo!

Anyone openly drinking alcohol or displaying public drunkenness will be subject to fines and prosecution, according to the San Francisco Police Department.

And it doesn't stop there. There will also be no wheeled objects and floats in the nutty race.

"We have listened closely to concerns from race participants, residents along the race course, and civic leaders. In response to safety, logistical and trash issues, we are instituting new policies in cooperation with the San Francisco Police Department and city officials," said Angela Fang, general manager of the race.

San Francisco Police Chief Heather Fong said the race is "We're still focused on the fun, vitality and unique culture of the race--we're just removing the alcohol and the hazards. We feel that these changes will enhance the race experience for all involved."

The race draws approximately 65,000 participants and 100,000 spectators to San Francisco. The race was also recently named by ESPN as one of the "101 things all sports fans must experience before they die," and already more than 6,000 registrants have signed up for this year's bonanza.

The city generates millions of dollars in travel and tourism from the race and creates hundreds of event-related jobs for local community youth groups and schools. The race also makes significant contributions to a number of local charities.

Sajid Farooq doesn't look good dressed up as a chimpmunk.
 

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