The note sent by ING today may clarify all this a bit:
NEW IMPROVEMENTS AND POLICIES 2009
We have listened closely to concerns from race participants, residents along the course, and civic leaders, and in response to safety, logistical, and trash issues, we are instituting new improvements and policies to enhance the race experience for everyone involved. ING Bay to Breakers is about promoting community and giving athletes and fitness enthusiasts the chance to compete in and enjoy one of the most exhilarating and scenic footraces in the world. We're still focused on the fun, vitality and unique culture of the race--we're just streamlining the course and removing the hazards in order to enhance the race experience for everyone involved.
What to expect:
* New corral system at the start line. The start line will be organized using corrals that are designated starting areas for participants with similar estimated finishing times. More details about the corral system are listed below.
* Zero tolerance policy on alcohol. Anyone openly drinking alcohol or displaying public drunkenness will be subject to fines and prosecution.
* All wheeled objects and floats are prohibited. Inappropriate equipment on the streets is dangerous and can prevent runners and walkers from completing the race in a timely manner.
* Leave no footprint. Help us keep the city clean by placing your garbage and recycling in one of the many dumpsters placed along the course.
...
RESTRICTIONS
For everyone's safety and enjoyment NO ALCOHOL or WHEELED OBJECTS will be allowed on the race course. Over-sized costumes cannot have wheels and must line up at the back of the pack in Corral E. Additionally, no pets, roller blades, skateboards, bicycles, or plastic bags for warm-ups are allowed on course. Nude participation is not sanctioned by race management.
>> So, the list of changes says nothing about nudity, and under restrictions, it hardly says nude is banned, just that it is not endorsed by ING (which is not a change from past years and, well, seems pretty plausible really).
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