Iconic San Francisco race partners with leading ALS research nonprofit to accelerate progress toward a cure.
For Immediate Release
SAN FRANCISCO, CA — October 21st, 2026 — Bay to Breakers, one of San Francisco’s most iconic and celebrated running traditions, is proud to announce Augie’s Quest to Cure ALS as the National Featured Charity for the 2027 Bay to Breakers, taking place Sunday, May 16, 2027.
The exciting new partnership brings together two organizations united by a shared belief in the power of movement, community, and determination to make a lasting impact.
Founded in 1912, Bay to Breakers has become a beloved San Francisco tradition, welcoming thousands of runners, walkers, and costume-clad participants each year. The legendary 12K race celebrates the city’s vibrant spirit, bringing together people of all ages and abilities for an unforgettable experience.
For the first time, participants will have the opportunity to join Team Augie’s Quest to Cure ALS, combining the excitement of Bay to Breakers with a powerful mission: accelerating ALS research and bringing us closer to effective treatments and cures.
Augie’s Quest to Cure ALS is dedicated to funding research that drives the discovery of effective treatments and a cure for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects the nerve cells responsible for voluntary muscle movement.
After his ALS diagnosis in 2005, Augie Nieto, a fitness industry pioneer and co-founder of Life Fitness, transformed his personal battle into a global movement, rallying business leaders, communities, and the fitness industry to accelerate his quest for a cure. Augie lived over 18 years with ALS, and his unwavering belief that a future without ALS is possible when we turn hope into action is what drives Augie’s Quest today.
Through Champion Insights, Augie’s Quest is funding groundbreaking research focused on understanding why endurance athletes, military personnel, and first responders experience higher rates of ALS, helping advance discoveries that may lead to earlier detection, improved treatments, and ultimately a cure.
“Augie believed deeply in the power of movement and what people can accomplish when they come together for a common purpose,” said Lynne Nieto, Chairman of Augie’s Quest to Cure ALS. “Partnering with Bay to Breakers is especially meaningful because it brings our mission to one of the country’s most iconic celebrations of movement and community. We’re excited to introduce thousands of participants to Augie’s vision and give them an opportunity to make every mile count toward a future without ALS.”
Run, Walk, and Make Every Mile Count
Participants can choose from several fundraising opportunities, including the traditional 12K race, an extended 15K experience, and the iconic Centipede Team competition. Every dollar raised through Team Augie’s Quest will support critical ALS research and the development of new treatments and cures. The partnership will also create opportunities to engage the broader Bay to Breakers community in ALS awareness, fundraising, and the shared mission to end the disease.
For more information about joining Team Augie’s Quest at the 2027 Bay to Breakers, visit www.baytobreakers.com/run-for-charity
“Bay to Breakers has always been about bringing people together, celebrating what’s possible, and creating unforgettable moments through movement,” said Crystian Kumnick, Managing Director, Motiv Sports North America. “We’re honored to welcome Augie’s Quest to Cure ALS as a National Featured Charity for 2027. Augie’s legacy continues to inspire people to push forward with courage and determination, and we’re proud to support an organization whose mission reflects the sense of community and purpose that has always been at the heart of Bay to Breakers.”
About Bay to Breakers
Bay to Breakers brings together athletes, families, community members, and costume-clad participants for a 12K race from the San Francisco Bay to the breakers on the Pacific Coast, treasured as a celebration of life, laughter, and the personality of San Francisco, embodying the city’s inclusive spirit and community engagement. During the annual Bay to Breakers race, participants of all ages and abilities, and oftentimes in costume, line up on Howard Street a few blocks from The Embarcadero on the third Sunday in May. The course travels west through the city and finishes along Great Highway and into Golden Gate Park. It truly is a time-honored tradition and the quintessential San Francisco experience.
About Augie’s Quest to Cure ALS
Augie’s Quest to Cure ALS turns hope into action by funding bold science and accelerating research toward effective treatments and a cure. Its current investments include expanding laboratory capacity to advance drug discovery, supporting Champion Insights to investigate why certain populations experience higher rates of ALS, and funding studies exploring how movement and exercise may benefit people living with the disease. Each investment reflects a commitment to a future without ALS—and to improving lives along the way. Learn more at www.augiesquest.org.
Media contacts
Bay to Breakers/Motiv Sports David Perry
(415) 676-7007
Augie’s Quest to Cure ALS Angel Moser
(858) 361-9239
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