Author: Alfredo Casuso

Media Contact:
David Perry & Associates, Inc/ (415) 676-7007 / news@davidperry.com

Bay to Breakers Surges as One of America’s Largest Races,
Driven by Strong Growth, Corporate Teams,
and San Francisco Momentum

Iconic Foot Race is Sunday, May 17, in San Francisco

27 March 2026 – SAN FRANCISCO, CA: Bay to Breakers, San Francisco’s most iconic footrace and one of the oldest continuously run races in the United States, is experiencing a powerful resurgence, with more than 30,000 registrations expected in 2026 and sustained growth over the past three years.  The race—an annual highlight of Bay Area culture—returns on Sunday, May 17 for its 114th running. Originally launched in 1912 to mark San Francisco’s resilience following the 1906 Earthquake and Fire, Bay to Breakers continues to reflect the city’s enduring energy and creativity.

Participation has grown steadily, with approximately 20% year-over-year growth over the past three years, mirroring a broader national resurgence in running events and community-based experiences.

“What we’re seeing with Bay to Breakers is part of a much larger story—running culture in the U.S. is not only back, it’s expanding in exciting ways,” said Crystian Kumnick of Motiv Sports. “For our sponsors and partners, that growth represents a powerful opportunity to connect with highly engaged audiences. Bay to Breakers delivers something uniquely San Francisco—energy, creativity, and scale—and that translates directly into meaningful brand impact.”

A key driver of that growth has been the expansion of the Corporate Teams Program, developed in collaboration with the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce and designed to deepen business engagement while supporting local impact initiatives.

Corporate teams have become an increasingly important part of the race experience—bringing companies together for team-building, visibility, and community contribution. Notably, a portion of proceeds from Corporate Teams supports YesSF, the Chamber-led initiative focused on innovation and downtown revitalization.

As highlighted in last year’s YesSF partnership announcement, Corporate Teams not only strengthen workplace culture but also directly contribute to San Francisco’s future through initiatives that support sustainable innovation and economic vitality.

“Bay to Breakers is not just a race—it’s a platform for connection, for business engagement, and for giving back,” Kumnick added. “The growth of our Corporate Teams Program is a clear signal that companies see real value in showing up, participating, and aligning with San Francisco’s continued momentum.”

Founded in 1912, Bay to Breakers remains more than a race—it is a citywide celebration. From elite athletes to costumed participants, the event brings together tens of thousands across neighborhoods, communities, and generations.

The race’s resurgence also reflects broader optimism around San Francisco’s recovery and re-emergence. As participation grows, so too does its impact across tourism, hospitality, and local business sectors—making Bay to Breakers an increasingly valuable platform for sponsors, partners, and civic engagement.

With registrations trending upward and corporate participation expanding, Bay to Breakers is once again solidifying its place among the premier running events in the United States—while staying true to the spirit that has defined it for more than a century.

About Bay to Breakers:
Since 1912, Bay to Breakers has been a quintessential San Francisco experience—uniting runners, walkers, and revelers from around the world for a one-of-a-kind race from the Embarcadero to Ocean Beach. Organized by Motiv Sports, the race celebrates San Francisco’s unique culture while supporting community organizations and local causes.

About Motiv Sports:
Motiv Sports is a North American leader in mass participation events, creating and delivering world-class endurance experiences that inspire, challenge, and connect communities. Its portfolio includes Bay to Breakers, the Long Beach Marathon, and Surf City Marathon, among others. Through its events, Motiv engages participants of all fitness levels while delivering high-impact platforms for brands, partners, and communities.

THE TIMES THEY ARE NOT a CHANGIN’
By J.D.Murphy 1974

Don’t gather ‘round people from 

your comfortable homes

the action we’re taking can

be done on the phone 

and accept the fact that

you’ll be throwing no stones

no time of yours will be wasted

so don’t bother moving

we’ll go it alone

For The Times Are Not a Changin’

Come sightseers and heretics

who speak with no yen

who can’t keep their eyes open

in spite of the sin

so talk all you want midst

the oil and the din

you won’t be escapin’ the blamin’

for the differences now

seem later to win

For The Times Are Not a Changin’

Run senators and congressmen

in your brand-new suits

it’s okay to pretend that

you’re not in cahoots

for he who gets caught 

will find no rebuke

there’s a ritual out there being created

everyone’s going for the windows

and crawling over walls

For The Times Are Not a Changin’

Mothers and fathers throughout

the land

only sermonize the Lord’s 

small commands

their sons and their daughters

are endlessly bland

their old road heartily laden

they can’t move out of the new one

‘cause it’s made out of sand

For The Times Are Not a Changin’

The dreams are connived

The hopes they are dashed

Slow ones now will

later get smashed

the order is mutely behavin’

and the worst ones now 

will most likely last

For The Times Are Not a Changin’

J.D. Murphy is an American businessman, author, and filmmaker best known for co-founding the University of Phoenix. Born in Portland, Oregon in 1946, Murphy studied at San Jose State University and later taught there while running a community mental health program early in his career. In 1976 he helped launch the University of Phoenix with John Sperling, serving in senior administrative roles focused on government affairs and accreditation before resigning in 1997. As a filmmaker and writer, Murphy produced and wrote Valley of the Heart’s Delight (2006) and has authored books including Jury Rigging in the Court of Public Opinion, Mission Forsaken: The University of Phoenix Affair with Wall Street, and American Incendiary Populism. 

International Women’s Month Salute Marisa Rodriguez

Today for International Women’s Month we salute Marisa Rodriguez, San Francisco’s “Cheerleader in Chief” and the driving force behind revitalizing the vibrant heart of The City as CEO of the Union Square Alliance.

A key destination and economic center for the Bay Area spanning 27 city blocks and accounting for $21 billion in assessed rates, the Alliance makes up 3% of the city’s total assessed value. Under Marisa’s leadership, the Alliance has achieved new heights, elevating its role as a destination marketing organization and reshaping the narrative of the square to attract visitors.

Kudos, congrats and thank you Marisa!

www.VisitUnionSquareSF.com