Bay to Breakers 2016: Route, Course Map, Times, Road Closures and Event Details

The Bay to Breakers race is a century-long tradition in San Francisco.

Since 1912, the 12 kilometer race has been one of the Bay Area's most popular annual events. Racers ranging from three years old to 18 and above take part in some capacity.

This year's race is scheduled for Sunday, starting at Main Street and Howard Street, with the finish line being Ocean Beach Parking Lot.

Here's a look at the information you'll need to know if you're in the area, whether you're someone taking part in the race or a citizen that needs to get home on a Sunday. (Note: The 2015 map is the official route for 2016, according to the race's official website.)

Race Details

When: Sunday, May 15

Where: San Francisco

Time: 8 a.m. PT

Road Closures: The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency has all the detailed information on how the roads will be affected on Sunday.

More Details

The Bay to Breakers is not your traditional foot race. It isn't meant to be a competition. While there are records kept for who finishes first, it's designed to be fun.

Part of that fun comes with the racing attire. The Bay to Breakers has official race gear for the traditional runners, but others will choose more elaborate outfits, while there will also be someone racing in a giant pink gorilla suit—the race's official mascot known as Ape Hashbury.

As the race's official website notes, it's meant to showcase San Francisco's unique diversity rather than be about competition:

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Each year the race is a glorious celebration of the human spirit – a giant wave of athleticism, fun, frivolity, and determination flowing across the City from the Bay to the Pacific Ocean. The Zappos.com Bay to Breakers is one of the largest footraces in the world with 50,000 + participants and 100,000 + spectators annually. As the race grew in size it even set a Guinness Book world-record, with 110,000 participants in 1986. The course is challenging and beautiful, and consistently attracts world-class competitors. But, it isn’t just a race for the serious runner.

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If you're in the San Francisco area and want to race, there's still time to register at the Expo event, according to the registration page. It costs $69.99 for adults, $34.99 for children ages 3-17 and $64.99 for groups.

It's an event that continues to grow with each passing year and showcases how far San Francisco has come since the race's inception in 1912. As the years roll by, it will continue to be one of the premier races in America.