BIKE:After mounting their bikes at the Marina Green, triathletes will begin the 18-mile out-and-back cycle by riding west on Marina Boulevard toward Crissy Field. They will ascend to Lincoln Boulevard, passing past the Presidio on their way to Camino del Mar. They will next ascend the hill to the Legion of Honor's Palace. They will descend the slope and make a hard right onto Clement Street, continuing west on Clement Street to Seal Rock Drive. They'll make a steep downhill left into 48th Street, then a right onto Point Lobos Drive, where they'll continue south on The Great Highway to Golden Gate Park. Triathletes will enter Golden Gate Park through Martin Luther King Jr. Drive from John F. Kennedy Drive. They will then turn left into Transverse Drive and then another left onto John F. Kennedy Drive, returning to the park's north side via the Great Highway. After traveling north on The Great Highway, they will return to the Marina Green for the run changeover. Triathletes face disqualification if they are caught drafting or moving ahead to the left of demarcation cones.
For over 40 years, triathletes from all over the world have converged to San Francisco to try the previously unthinkable Ï ESCAPE from Alcatraz. Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon, now in its 40th year, draws World Champions, Olympic Medalists, and the top amateur triathletes from all 50 states and over 50 countries. They put their endurance and adventurous attitude to the test as they face the renowned Bay, steep hills, and harsh terrain of San Francisco. Consistently recognized as a must-do event for triathletes, this race attracts hundreds each summer to see who has the ability to ESCAPE! The Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon consists of a 1.5-mile swim from Alcatraz Island to the coasts of the St. Francis Yacht Club, an 18-mile cycle ride, and an 8-mile run through the Golden Gate Recreational Area's pathways. Set against the backdrop of San Francisco's natural splendor, this exhilarating triathlon offers a virtual tour of the City by the Bay.
On June 9, almost 2,000 age group and professional competitors competed in the 39th Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon. This year's event included participants from over 50 nations, including some physically challenged athletes from the Challenged Athletes Foundation. Ben Kanute and Ashleigh Gentle won the men's and women's pro divisions, respectively. This competition, which includes a 2.5-kilometer swim from Alcatraz Island to the coast, a 28-kilometer cycle ride, and a 13-kilometer run around San Francisco, is one of the most renowned triathlons in North America.
The competition draws some of the world's best triathletes, from Olympic gold medalists to Ironman champions, including veteran triathlon Javier Gomez Noya as the 2013 winner. This course is not for the faint of heart, and those who take on the challenge must train diligently! Beginning with a plunge from The San Francisco Belle into the bay's chilly waters, triathletes must negotiate a 1.8-mile swim through turbulent waves in 12 degrees (55F). Then it's onto the 18-mile bike circuit, which includes some of the area's most recognized sights. Finally, racers must endure an exhausting eight-mile run through San Francisco's leisure area. Definitely difficult for the faint of heart, this course contains steep stairs and rugged terrain, culminating in a spectacular finale.
