But if you were out on the streets the morning of the race, you’d know that the final total was likely much, much higher.

Bay to Breakers is one of the city’s weirdest and wildest traditions, bringing thousands of people to the streets for a race that’s more akin to a citywide party. Coordinated rubber duckie onesies and other Halloween-worthy looks are the norm. However, sometimes the most eye-catching costume is no costume at all.

The Bay Area is no stranger to nudists — any trip to Dolores Park is likely to result in a sighting of at least one naked person. It’s another level during Bay to Breakers, though, when those who embrace a clothing-free lifestyle less frequently come out in droves, even traveling from other cities, to enjoy blending in among the throngs of pre-noon partiers. In several interviews, which included a whole lot of extended eye contact, nudists explained the inspiration for their unconventional choice.

Jessica Boynton, a former Davis resident who now lives in San Diego, came to San Francisco this weekend for her eighth race. She always runs in pasties — this year, she’s seven months pregnant.

“Being naked in public is very freeing,” Boynton said. “It’s like, who cares?” She said strangers often approach her, but she hasn’t had any real problems. “Everyone’s really respectful. People will usually ask, ‘Can I give you a hug?’” However, she doesn’t always oblige.

George, a 62-year-old retiree from Vacaville who asked to be identified by just his first name, has only been experimenting as a nudist for about one year. After going to a beach, he saw some people naked on the shore and decided to join in. It felt good, so he went with it. When asked what inspired the new lifestyle, he simply answered, “Freedom.”

This was his second nude Bay to Breakers, and he appreciated this year’s warmer temperatures. What drew him here was simple: “The craziness. Being amongst all these crazy people — or maybe we’re normal, and you’re the crazy people. I’m not sure.”

Sam, a 20-something who lives in the Bay Area and asked to be identified by his first name, said Bay to Breakers is the main event of the year for him in terms of public nudity. “You can’t do this every day,” Sam said. He wore a yellow face mask with an attached mustache, as well as a sticker that read “free photos.” 

“In past years, it seemed like people were all about getting photos. People are shy this year,” he said. 

Although compared to someone standing along a parade route in almost nothing but a plastic mustache and a smile, nearly everyone seems a little shy.