Race organizers plan to announce today that the 100th running of the world-famous, 7.46-mile footrace will take place May 15, 2011 - only this time, "there will be no alcohol, period," race spokesman Sam Singer said.
The renewed push for a booze ban comes on the heels of insurance and financial giant ING's announcement that it was dropping out as the race's sponsor after five years of blottoed boozers, bare-naked runners and increasingly bad press.
Not to mention irate neighbors.
"Bay to Breakers is very concerned that someone is going to get hurt or worse because of the overconsumption of alcohol," Singer said. "Unfortunately, people can't control themselves."
Organizers said more than 30 participants had to be taken to hospitals via ambulance after this year's race, most for alcohol-related reasons.
Two years ago, organizers tried to crack down on public intoxication by banning keg floats and alcohol from the race. They relented after public protests, and Supervisor Ross Mirkarimi helped broker a compromise.
After this year's mess, however, the floats and alcohol will be banned - with extra cops hired by organizers to crack down on public drinking.
Violators "will be arrested, cited and fined," warned Angela Fang, the race's executive director.
Mirkarimi, while not condoning the drunkenness, said organizers risked killing the very spirit that has made the race unique.
Plus, "I don't know how they are going to enforce it," Mirkarimi said.
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