Drunk Tents Lining Bay To Breakers Course Promise A Dry Run
SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS) - Anyone who refuses to put down the alcohol as they run, walk or stumble the Bay To Breakers in May could find themselves stuck in the drunk tent.
PICTURES: Bay To Breakers 100th Anniversary
Organizers promised that police would not be lenient during the May 15 centennial edition of the 12K foot race notorious in recent years for its destruction and debauchery.
KCBS' Holly Quan Reports:
"People will have a choice of being arrested or sobering up," said Sam Singer, the top notch public relations consultant hired to help rehabilitate the race's image.
The new sponsor, Zazzle, has pulled out all the stops to keep B2B dry and avoid a repeat of 2010, when public outcry was so fierce that the previous sponsor, ING, decided to drop its affiliation with the race.
Singer said police at checkpoints would confiscate alcohol and direct those they don't arrest to water, juice, coffee and medical supervision in the drunk tents.
Neighborhood groups have recruited 150 volunteers to line the course, cheering on runners, guiding people to the nearest port-a-potty, and acting as eyes and ears in case trash cans overflow or people misbehave.
Jarie Bolander, president of the North of Panhandle Neighborhood Association, said members decided to take a proactive approach after years of complaining.
"We should be out there on the course," he said.
"It's our neighborhood."
But all the control doesn't mean there won't be plenty of fun, Singer said, regardless of whether you're in costume, or completely out of costume.
"Come to the Bay To Breakers any way you want, in the wildest costume. Come naked, just don't come drunk," Singer said.
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