Bay to Breakers, San Francisco’s 12km footrace, has welcomed Biofreeze as the Official Pain Relief Partner of the 2026 event. The race, which is owned and operated by Motiv Sports, is expecting 30,000 participants on May 17, 2026.
The partnership will bring the topical pain relief brand’s cooling relief directly to runners on race day. This includes an on-course Biofreeze Pain Relief Zone at Mile 5, where the Biofreeze Cooling Crew will be positioned to assist participants.
In addition to the race day activities, members of the Biofreeze team will be present at the Bay to Breakers Expo. This is located at the Sports Basement Stonestown location on Thursday, May 14, 2026 from 15:00–20:00 PST, Friday, May 15, 2026 from 13:00–20:00, and Saturday, May 16, 2026 from 10:00–18:00. The brand will also have a presence at the Finish Festival in Golden Gate Park.
The 2026 Bay to Breakers takes place on Sunday, May 17, 2026. The event brings together elite athletes, everyday runners, corporate teams, families, and costumed participants for a citywide celebration. The route stretches from the bay through the heart of San Francisco. New for the 2026 edition, the race will finish inside Golden Gate Park.
Phyllis Blanchard, VP of Partnerships for Motiv Sports, said “Bay to Breakers embodies energy, joy, and community – where participants come together to move, celebrate, and experience one of the most iconic courses in the world. Having Biofreeze onboard as our Official Pain Relief Partner is a natural fit. Whether runners are chasing a personal best, joining a corporate team, running with friends or simply unleashing their inner wild, Biofreeze will be there at Mile 5 to help them cool the pain and keep going.”
Biofreeze applies easily and uses cooling menthol to provide relief from muscle and joint aches and pains. According to the company, it is the number-one clinician-recommended menthol topical pain relief brand, based on an international survey of clinicians such as chiropractors, podiatrists, and physical therapists.
Mark Pearson, Global Vice President, VMS and Wellness at Biofreeze owner Reckitt, said “Biofreeze is proud to support runners where they need us most – on the course, in the moment and on the way to the finish line. Bay to Breakers is one of the most spirited and inclusive races in the country, and we’re excited to bring the Biofreeze Pain Relief Zone to San Francisco to give participants cooling relief so they can make the most of race day.”
At the Mile 5 activation zone, the Cooling Crew will utilize Biofreeze spray to support participants. The product is available in various formats including roll-on, gel, spray, cream, and patches.
Biofreeze is a portfolio-wide partner for Motiv Sports and is expanding its presence across its endurance events. It recently served as the presenting partner of the Surf City Marathon in southern California, which celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2026 with sold-out marathon and half-marathon distances.
Bay to Breakers has been part of San Francisco’s sporting landscape since 1912. Motiv Sports is an event producer across the United States, managing a portfolio that includes endurance events such as the Surf City Marathon alongside the San Francisco race.
