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SurveyMonkey Named “Official Curiosity Partner”    
of Bay to Breakers

New sponsorship will bring real-time participant and media feedback
to San Francisco’s iconic footrace

San Francisco’s legendary 12K takes place Sunday, May 17

6 May 2026 – San Francisco, CA: Bay to Breakers has long been famous for its only-in-San-Francisco mix of cardio, costumes, chaos and community — not to mention its beloved big pink gorilla mascot, Ape Hashbury. Now, with SurveyMonkey coming onboard as a major sponsor, the world-famous footrace has a curious new partner ready to help make race day even smarter, more connected and more responsive than ever when thousands of participants hit the streets on Sunday, May 17.

“Bringing SurveyMonkey on as our Official Curiosity Partner gives us a powerful new way to capture and amplify the voice of our participants in real time because every runner has a story,” said Phyllis Blanchard, Bay to Breakers/ Motiv Sports. “The fact that their CEO will be running alongside our participants speaks volumes about their commitment to truly showing up and engaging with the audience they serve.”

Through the partnership, Bay Area-based SurveyMonkey will help Bay to Breakers gather real-time feedback from participants, media and stakeholders throughout race weekend — providing new insights into the participant experience and helping organizers continue to enhance one of San Francisco’s most beloved events. One of the most popular sporting events in the country, Bay to Breakers brings together elite athletes, everyday runners, corporate teams, families, costumed participants and generations of San Franciscans for a citywide celebration that stretches from the bay through the heart of San Francisco. New this year, the race will finish inside Golden Gate Park, giving participants a fresh finale to one of the city’s most beloved traditions.

“Bay to Breakers is iconic, and I’m looking forward to running it this year,” said Eric Johnson, CEO, SurveyMonkey. “At SurveyMonkey, we believe nothing gets better until you get curious. This partnership makes that practical, reflecting Bay to Breakers’ continued investment in improving the race for participants, partners, media and the broader San Francisco community.”

SurveyMonkey is the world’s most popular platform for surveys and forms, helping organizations collect, analyze and act on insights from customers, employees, and communities. For events like Bay to Breakers, it offers solutions across the entire experience—from registration and payment forms to post-event feedback—to help organizers host great events, identify areas to improve, and make better decisions over time.

“SurveyMonkey gives us a powerful new platform to hear directly from the people who make this event so special,” noted Blanchard of Motiv Sports. “That feedback will help us continue building an event that honors the history of Bay to Breakers while making it more accessible, engaging and responsive for the future.”

Since 1912, Bay to Breakers has been a defining part of San Francisco’s civic and cultural identity. Known for its cross-city course, festive atmosphere, creative costumes, elite competition and unmatched community energy, the race continues to attract participants from across the Bay Area and around the world.

About Bay to Breakers:

Bay to Breakers is San Francisco’s world-famous footrace, a one-of-a-kind 12K celebration that has been part of the city’s fabric since 1912. Known for its iconic cross-city course, inclusive spirit, creative costumes, elite competition and unforgettable community energy, Bay to Breakers welcomes runners, walkers, corporate teams, families and fans from across the Bay Area and around the world. For more information and to register, visit BaytoBreakers.com

About SurveyMonkey:

SurveyMonkey is the world’s most popular platform for surveys and forms, built for business and loved by users. We combine powerful capabilities with intuitive design, effectively serving every use case, from customer experience to employee engagement, market research to payment and registration forms. With built-in research expertise and AI-powered technology, it’s like having a team of expert researchers right at your fingertips. Trusted by millions—from startups to Fortune 500 companies—SurveyMonkey helps teams gather insights and information that inspire better decisions, create experiences people love, and drive business growth. Discover how at surveymonkey.com.

About Motiv Sports:

Motiv Sports is a leading producer of active lifestyle events across the United States, creating memorable race experiences that connect participants, communities and brand partners through running, celebration and endurance. Its portfolio includes some of the country’s most distinctive endurance events, including Bay to Breakers and Surf City Marathon.

6 May 1527: Today in Upon This Rock history, the notorious “Sack of Rome” led to the imprisonment, escape and forced exile of Pope Clement VII (né Giulio de Medici) to Orvieto. On this day, 147 of the Swiss Guard gave their lives defending Pope Clement VII as he escaped to safety. 

In fact, this sacrifice is so central that every May 6th, new Swiss Guards are sworn in. In Upon This Rock, this historical backdrop sets the stage: Clement VII, after fleeing the chaos, finds refuge in Orvieto. The Pope’s arrival there—and the Swiss Guard’s ultimate sacrifice—becomes a key part of the unfolding intrigue.

Born on May 26, 1478. Giulio de’ Medici’s life began under tragic circumstances. On 26 April 1478—exactly one month before his birth—his father, Giuliano de Medici (brother of Lorenzo the Magnificent) was murdered in the Florence Cathedral by enemies of his family, in what is now known as “The Pazzi Conspiracy”. He was born illegitimately in Florence; the exact identity of his mother remains unknown. Nevertheless, he rose quickly through the Church hierarchy, becoming Cardinal and advisor to his cousin Pope Leo X, and later Pope himself known as Clement VII. 

His back story, and time in Orvieto, is key to the mystery at the heart of David Eugene Perry’s best-selling and award winning mystery thriller, Upon This Rock, currently in development as a screenplay. Get your copy at the link below or at your favorite bookstore.

https://a.co/d/0hq6igOa

Today on the anniversary of her birth, we celebrate the life and legacy of Rainbow Honor Walk honoree Del Martin (May 5, 1921 – August 27, 2008). A pioneering lesbian rights activist, feminist, journalist, and organizer, Martin helped transform the struggle for LGBTQ+ equality in America.

With her lifelong partner and wife, Phyllis Lyon, Martin co-founded the Daughters of Bilitis in San Francisco in 1955, the first lesbian civil and political rights organization in the United States. Together, they published The Ladder, gave voice to generations of lesbian women, fought for women’s rights and elder justice, and became enduring symbols of love, courage, and liberation.

In 2004, Del Martin and Phyllis Lyon became the first same-sex couple legally married in San Francisco. After that marriage was voided, they married again on June 16, 2008, when marriage equality briefly returned to California. Del Martin died just weeks later, leaving behind a legacy inseparable from the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement.

Read the tribute to tell from SFGate at the link below:

https://www.sfgate.com/politics/article/Lesbian-rights-pioneer-Del-Martin-dies-at-87-3198048.php

#RainbowHonorWalk #DelMartin #PhyllisLyon #DaughtersOfBilitis #LGBTQHistory #LesbianHistory #MarriageEquality