Love At First Stride

Feb 24, 2010:

For nearly a century the ING Bay to Breakers 12k has been bringing people together in a joyous and eclectic celebration of the human spirit.

It's not surprising, then, that one of the world's largest and oldest foot races can occasionally nurture the spark of true love.

It happened for Richard Walter and Susan Suzuki at the 77th Annual Bay to Breakers in 1988. Richard, a San Francisco resident, turned out to watch and Susan, who was in town from Southern California for work, was among the tens of thousands of race participants that day.

After the race Susan met Richard at a friend of a friend of a friend's post-race gathering. They spent the rest of the day together and continued to stay in touch after Susan went back to Southern California.

The following year, Susan convinced Richard to walk the race with her, but by the time they got to the finish-line party, things were winding down. They were a little disappointed to miss most of the frivolity at the polo fields and all of the free beer.

To rectify the situation, the couple decided to train together to run the following year's race.

In 1991 Richard and Susan married and have been running the race for their anniversary ever since. They now invite friends and family from around the country to San Francisco to be a part of their anniversary weekend.

"The Bay to Breakers race brought us together and our marriage has lasted," said Richard.

So if you see Richard and Susan and their anniversary party at this year's 99th Annual ING Bay to Breakers, be sure to say hello and congratulations. And be sure to keep your eyes open because you never know if love will run you down somewhere along the course.