The 94th annual Bay to Breakers race will be hitting the streets of San Francisco May 15, and many participants predict a day of crazy, sweaty, off-the-wall fun.

The 12 kilometer (7.46 mile) race will span the distance between the Embarcadero and Golden Gate Park and is expected to include 75,000 joggers, walkers, elite runners and attached runners, known as centipedes, who will partake in the zaniest, most colorful, all-inclusive Bay Area event of the year.

“We expect that 50,000 people will register and 25,000 (extras) will also participate,” said Bay to Breakers spokesperson Denise Lamott, who said this year’s security would be heightened at the race’s start line to discourage course crashers.

The race, which was established in 1912, will kick off with the Greater Body Exposition, a free health and fitness fair at the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium from May 13 to 14 and conclude with Footstock, a free post-race party at the Polo Fields in Golden Gate Park from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Footstock will feature a slew of events, including a free performance by musicians Gavin DeGraw and Samantha Stollenwerk, a costume contest, an awards ceremony for race winners, a money tent, live radio coverage, television coverage and a food and beer marketplace.

“I really wanted to participate when I found out Gavin DeGraw was playing,” said Courtney Leglu, 22, a Cal State Hayward graduate who said she plans to dress up in retro clothing and run in the race alongside four friends. “I mean, how awesome is that?”

Leglu, who has never participated before, registered three weeks ago and has been practicing ever since.

“I need to get my endurance up,” she said. “I’m not in the best of shape but it will be fun and it’s for a great cause.”

All runners, whether sponsored or not, will be charged admission fees ranging from $25 to $40 depending upon age and date of sign-up. Portions of the proceeds will be used to benefit the American Red Cross, San Francisco high schools and other organizations volunteering their services to the race.

Some of the organizations sponsoring runners this year include Organs R’ Us, the Sports Medicine Institute and the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. The top pledge earners from each of these three organizations will win two roundtrip tickets from Southwest Airlines.

One participant focused on generating funds through sponsorships is Joseph Benjamin, a 33-year-old SF State academic advisor who has run in the race for the past 20 years.

This year Benjamin will be running alongside 12 friends and family members and will be sponsored by a non-profit organization he runs called United Non Profiteer. U.N.P is one of many non-profit organizations created by SF State students who have come together to create non-profits that will help other non-profits get on their feet.

“I have the goal to make the longest centipede in Bay to Breakers history,” said Benjamin, who wants to recruit at least 1,000 runners who will seek sponsorship from organizations (including his own) for next year's race.

Benjamin is not the only runner with a fantastical or unique Bay to Breakers related goal.

Many runners have their own unique goals, like running naked with ‘Bare to Breakers,’ running while drinking alcohol, or dressing up in bizarre costumes while others watch in awe.

“I’m going to go because it’s a chance to dress up and push a keg around,” said third-year participant Luke Lambert, 23-year-old SF State English major.

Lambert said he will be walking in the race with 15 friends, several of whom will dress up as Star Wars and Life Aquatic characters.

This year’s race will begin at 8 a.m. on May 15 at the intersection of Howard and Main streets. Registration is available May 13 and 14 at the Greater Body Expo until 6 p.m. Prices are $40 for adults and $35 for children under 18. For more information, visit http://www.baytobreakers.com or call (415) 359-2800.