SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS) - The Bay Area's current heat wave is expected to ease in time for Sunday's legendary run. Still, race officials are urging runners to take precautions.
Runners have been dotting San Francisco's Marina green, even on the hot afternoons this week, perhaps a final warm-up before the 9th annual Bay to Breakers. "I run from here to the Warming Hut and back, that's my run four, five days a week," described one athlete.
Bay to Breakers not only attracts serious runners, but some who might be considered on the "wackier" side as well. "This is actually coined as the world's largest footrace," explained David Landis, spokesman for the 12K ING Bay to Breakers. 70,000 runners are expected this Sunday. "Hydration, drink a lot of fluids before you start racing," Landis advised participants.
Some participants have other race-day plans. "Probably consume even more alcohol than I normally do," chuckled one man. "Not a good idea because alcohol is a dehydrator," countered Landis.
The warm weather may also mean participants are more inclined to shed their layers. "The occasional naked man running by you," one man recounted his previous Bay to Breakers experience. "My friend Sean, he's an Irishman, he's going naked."
Again, Landis is hoping for a different approach. "Keep your clothes on, but wear some fun costumes. That's always a good thing to do."
Photo courtesy of CBS5