#1 Sports Event
Bay to Breakers was founded in 1912, making it the world's longest consecutively run footrace. The 12K starts near the San Francisco Bay and finishes at the Great Highway near the ocean. It draws 50,000 participants (most in outrageous costumes, some naked) and 100,000 spectators each year. Next: May 15, 2016
#3 Sports Event (up from #4)
The race offers one of the most gorgeous views available while running 26.2 miles. Runner’s World magazine named the event one of the top three marathons in the country. Route 1 is entirely blocked off during the race, which wends through mountain and ocean-filled terrains. Next: April 24, 2016
#4 Sports Event (up from #5)
Some 25,000 runners raise funds for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society as part of the 13.1-mile race. Nike Plus members have access to registration, training, and race-day experiences; there’s also a dedicated app for the marathon. Next: October 18, 2015
#5 Sports Event
Managed by a team that formerly produced Bay to Breakers, the urban road race takes runners on a tour of San Francisco’s iconic sites—it even crosses the Golden Gate Bridge. The race draws 250,000 runners and has strong local support. Sixty percent of the runners are from the Bay Area, and 80 percent are from California. Next: July 31, 2016
#6 Sports Event
First played 123 years ago, the "Big Game" between the California Golden Bears of Berkeley and the Cardinals of Stanford is the oldest college football rivalry in the west. The week leading up the game is filled with rallies and other spirited festivities including sailing and water polo competitions. Next: November 21, 2015
#7 Sports Event
San Francisco Giants fans hit the field at AT&T Park to play catch and mingle with players. Other activities include face painting in the “Fan Lot,” a Fan Fest fashion show, and Q&A and autograph sessions with the players. Estimated attendance is 35,000. Next: February 2016
#8 Sports Event
More than 600 free dance events, including open rehearsals, classes, performances, and lecture demonstrations, kick off each year with One Dance, featuring 700 dancers performing the same routine together in Union Square. Attendance is more than 20,000 annually; 2016 will be its 18th year. Next: April 22-May 1, 2016
#9 Sports Event
Nearly 2,500 riders participate in the fund-raiser for the Multiple Sclerosis Society. The two-day bike ride follows a path that offers views of the Golden Gate Bridge, the Pacific Ocean, and Sonoma County’s wine vineyards. Perks for riders include meals, stocked rest stops, camping, and a wine and beer garden. Next: Fall 2016
#10 Sports Event (new to the list)
Since its inception 25 years ago, the 5K race has raised significant money for breast cancer research. Organizers call it "the world’s largest and most successful education and fund-raising event for breast cancer ever created." Next: Fall 2016
