San Francisco Originals Run Series Announced

Four Authentic San Francisco Run Events Partner To Create A Year-Long Run Series

Four iconic San Francisco running events – Bay to Breakers presented by craigslist, The Wipro San Francisco Marathon, the San Francisco Giant Race and the Oral B Glide Floss Bridge to Bridge Run have announced the creation of The “San Francisco Originals” Run Series, a joint venture to celebrate all that is admirable about San Francisco and the running traditions in this great city. Each race takes runners on a visual tour of San Francisco, through eclectic neighborhoods, scenic parks and along waterfront trails. Those first 2,500 participants that register and complete all four iconic running races this year, will receive a commemorative medal acknowledging this truly San Francisco athletic accomplishment.

“For over a century, legendary running events have graced the streets of San Francisco, challenging both residents and visitors from all over to see our world-class City in a whole new light,” said San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee. "The San Francisco Originals Run Series unites four incredible and uniquely San Francisco events: Bay to Breakers, the Wipro San Francisco Marathon, the San Francisco Giant Race and the Oral B Glide Floss Bridge to Bridge Run. The series showcases the best of our City while challenging everyone to stay active and healthy year-round by completing all four athletic feats in San Francisco.”

Interested participants are encouraged to register now, to make the commitment to all four races, and start training. Beginning with the city’s oldest footrace, the 102nd Bay to Breakers presented by craigslist 12K race will warm things up on Sunday, May 19; followed by the Wipro San Francisco Marathon on Sunday, June 16; then on to the San Francisco Giant Race on Sunday, August 4; and wrap up with the Oral B Glide Floss Bridge to Bridge Run on Sunday, October 6.

The San Francisco Originals Race Series includes:
•         Bay to Breakers presented by craigslist – Participants from around the world will descend upon the streets of San Francisco for the 102nd Bay to Breakers presented by craigslist 12K race, set to take on Sunday, May 19. Since 1912, this legendary race has taken thousands of participants including elite athletes, centipede teams of 13, celebrities, costumed racers, marathon runners, weekend walkers and more from the edge of the bay, to the shore of the Pacific Ocean, via several San Francisco neighborhoods. In addition to the run, participants are encouraged to take part in the Costume Contest, Volkswagen Greater Body Expo presented by Big 5 Sporting Goods and enjoy the finish line festivities with food, fun and more. For more details, please visit www.baytobreakers.com.
•         The Wipro San Francisco Marathon – Projected to draw 25,000 runners this year, the 36th running of The Wipro San Francisco Marathon will take place on Sunday, June 16. Known for its beautiful scenic views, The Wipro San Francisco Marathon is the only race that runs in the roadbed of the Golden Gate Bridge. The USA Track & Field?certified race starts at the Ferry Building, runs along the Embarcadero, over the bridge, through Golden Gate Park and the Haight?Ashbury District before finishing in front of Cupid's Arrow. Events include a full marathon, two half marathons, a 5K/progressive marathon and the fourth annual Munchkin Kids Run. For more details, please visit www.thesfmarathon.com.
•         The San Francisco Giant Race – The fourth-annual San Francisco Giant Race, 10K, 5K, and Kids Race/Family Relay Benefiting Project Open Hand is set for August 4. Finishing on the field at AT&T Park in front of a lively crowd and stadium scoreboard is the highlight of the beautiful waterfront course that starts in front of the ballpark and continues along the Embarcadero with views of both iconic San Francisco bridges. The runners' experience is augmented by several Giants-only elements, including the giveaway of the annual special-edition runner bobblehead, photo opportunities with the World Series trophy, and an in-stadium race expo. For more details, please visit www.giantrace.com.
•         Oral B Glide Floss Bridge to Bridge Run – The 37th Annual Oral B Glide Floss Bridge to Bridge Run will take place on October 6. Dubbed “America’s Most Beautiful Run” by Sports Illustrated, 10K runners/walkers and 7K runners/walkers take off together from the Ferry Building just below the Bay Bridge. The course goes along the Embarcadero, through Fisherman's Wharf past some of the city’s most iconic landmarks and finishes at the Golden Gate Bridge. At the race conclusion is a free expo with live music, kid’s entertainment, and interactive fitness booths. The run is produced by KFOG, KGO and KNBR radio. Proceeds benefit the Special Olympics Northern California. To register visit www.BridgetoBridge.com.

The first 2,500 runners who have registered for both Bay to Breakers presented by craigslist and the Wipro San Francisco Marathon by Sunday, May 12 will be eligible for a special San Francisco Originals Series medal. Of those eligible participants, runners who register for and ultimately finish all four races will receive this award at the finish line of the Oral B Glide Floss Bridge to Bridge Run. Eligible runners will be notified by email prior to competing in the Bay to Breakers presented by craigslist. For additional information on the San Francisco Originals Run Series, please visit thewebsite.