Bay to Breakers gets serious about security

Whether you’re gluing the last feathers on your costume or waxing your naughty bits, San Francisco officials are making sure Sunday’s Bay to Breakers race will be a fun — and safe — event for all.

Following last month’s Boston Marathon bombings, the City is beefing up security measures for Sunday’s 102nd Bay to Breakers.

The 7-1/2 mile race course, with more than 30,000 registered runners, will be lined with law enforcement officers from 17 agencies, including the FBI.

Backpacks and bags larger than 8-1/2 by 11 by 4 inches will be banned from the race course, which begins at Howard and Main streets and ends at Ocean Beach.

Bomb technicians, undercover police and canine units will also be present, with additional officers monitoring cameras at the start and finish lines. Extra security is also expected at Hayes Street Hill, where the crowd is at its thickest.

Police Chief Greg Suhr told SFGate that police priorities have changed this year:

“It seems like 100 years ago, in light of Boston, that our primary concern was that everyone wears a costume, as long as they wear something.”

Additionally, SF’s Department of Public Works replaced regular trash cans along the 12k course with transparent ones to help make sure nothing suspicious is placed inside.

Despite the serious concerns, race director Angela Fang said revelers should expect the same kind of wacky merriment Bay to Breakers is known for:

“We’re going to have the same great event that this city loves.”

Craigslist, the official sponsor of this year’s race, will reimburse all costs for law enforcement.

Aside from registered runners, an additional 50,000 to 70,000 spectators are expected to join the party.