Bay to Breakers Could Be Last; Registration 'Unprecedented'

By Erin Sherbert Mon., Feb. 21 2011 at 9:42 AM

Categories: Local News, Sports

Joseph Schell

Will this be the finish line for B2B?

With still no potential sponsor stepping up to carry on the annual Bay to Breakers race in San Francisco and a sobering ban on alcohol, some are worried the May 15 centennial footrace will be the last.

Which is exactly why people are rushing to the registration line. Race organizers are reporting that registration is off the charts this year, although they wouldn't disclose a figure.

Last year, ING, the race's main sponsor, announced it was no longer financially supporting B2B, which had already been losing money for years. On top of that, a ban on alcohol at the race was implemented starting this year, eliminating the boozy antics that defines the costume race.

Still, race organizers are waxing optimism that the popular event will live on "forever." At the same time, they offer no reason for anyone to believe the event, which is owned by conservative billionaire Philip Anschutz, will continue beyond the 100th year.

"If everything goes well this year, there will be a (title) sponsor for future races," Singer said. "It's our intent that this race live forever."

And if not?

"Anschutz runs the race himself," Singer tells reporters.

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