Alcatraz Triathlon
After the 1979 Ironman, Joe Oakes proposed the famous first Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon. The first one was held in June 1981.
The Dolphin Club tested out the race which included the swim from Alcatraz to San Francisco, the bike tour to Mill Valley, and foot race over Mount Tamalpais to Stinson beach and back.
The annual race continues to take place in the beginning of June. It still includes the 1.5 mile frigid swim from Alcatraz to San Francisco. The race then holds a 0.5 mile run to the transition zone at Marian Green.
This is then followed by an 18 mile bike tour and an 8 mile run. The run in the Alcatraz Triathlon is infamous for its “sand ladder.” When you hit mile 5, you have to climb a series of 400 uneven log steps back up to the road.
This race was ranked number one in 2006 by Inside Triathlon Magazine. 2,000 of the world’s greatest athletes participate in the Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon.
During its 29 years of operation, the high-security Alcatraz Prison never produced any living escapees. Perhaps this is why this race is so popular. Every year, this well-known event in San Francisco grabs the attention of thousands of on-lookers to see who can manage the menacing swim in the Bay.
Not only is this a popular triathlon for its difficulty, but also for its scenic beauty. The race takes its participants through the Golden Gate Recreation Area and the natural views of San Francisco. Imagine being able to see the Golden Gate Bridge and the beach as you compete.
In addition to the race, there is an annual Fitness Festival and Expo on the Marina Green that supplies a variety of health and fitness products and information.
This festival is for participants of the race and also spectators. There are plenty of booths where you can try out product samples.
Entry into the Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon is through the Escape to Alcatraz Triathlon Series or a random lottery. For the 2008 race, registration began on December 1, 2007.
Qualifiers for the event would have had to participate in one of the following races and end with high ranking results: The London Triathlon, The Triathlon at Pacific Grove, Le Triathlon de Gerardmer, Escape from the Gorge, Westchester Triathlon, The Escape to Bermuda Triathlon, or Florida’s Great Escape. The Series is normally made up of seven to ten qualifying events.
