For nearly 40 years, triathletes from around the globe descend on San Francisco for the chance to attempt a feat once thought impossible – ESCAPE from Alcatraz. Entering it's 40th year, Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon attracts World Champions, Olympic Medalists and the best amateur triathletes from 50 states and over 50 countries. They put their endurance and adventurous spirit to the test as they take on San Francisco's legendary Bay, steep hills, and rugged terrain. Consistently ranked as a must-do event among triathletes, this race draws thousands each summer to find out who has what it takes to ESCAPE!

The Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon features a 1.5-mile swim from Alcatraz Island to the shores of the St. Francis Yacht Club, a grueling 18-mile bike ride, and a demanding 8-mile run through the trails of the Golden Gate Recreational Area. Set against the natural beauty of San Francisco, this thrilling triathlon is a real-life postcard through the City by the Bay.

The Fitness Festival and Expo is featured on Saturday and Sunday at Marina Green in San Francisco. This two-day festival offers the opportunity for sampling, product giveaways, product displays, sweepstakes, and other promotions. Included in the fitness festival are a food court, beer garden, and experiential vendor displays.

Races offered by this event

You have less than a week to prepare

Escape from Alcatraz

10 Jun, 2023 (Sat)

Triathlon

Solo

On site

Swimming
1.5 mi
View course map
The Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon begins with a 7:30 am plunge from the San Francisco Belle into the icy cold water adjacent to Alcatraz Island. Participants are unloaded from the boat in less than 8 minutes. It is quite a rush when you take the leap from the ferry for the 1.5 mile swim. Triathletes will face strong currents and 55 degree water temperatures. Wetsuits and hoods are recommended. The swim finish is at the Marina Green Beach adjacent to and west of the St. Francis Yacht Club.
Sea/ocean
Point to point
Cycling
18 mi
View course profile
Mounting their bikes at the Marina Green, triathletes will begin the out-and-back 18-mile ride by heading west toward Crissy Field via Marina Boulevard. They will climb to Lincoln Blvd. traveling through the Presidio to Camino del Mar. They will then climb up the hill to the Palace of the Legion of Honor. They will come down the hill and make a hard right turn on Clement Street and ride west to Seal Rock Drive. They will make a sharp downhill left turn onto 48th street and then a right turn west on Point Lobos Drive and ride South on The Great Highway to Golden Gate Park. Triathletes will enter Golden Gate Park from John F. Kennedy Drive onto Martin Luther King Jr. Drive. They will then turn left on Transverse Drive and make another left turn onto John F. Kennedy Drive and ride back to the Great Highway on the north side of the park. After going north on The Great Highway, they will retrace the course back to the Marina Green for the transition to the run. Triathletes risk disqualification for drafting and forward motion to the left of demarcation cones.
Road
Hilly
Out & back
Island
Running
8 mi
On tired legs, the triathletes will begin the 8-mile run to Baker Beach Battery by leaving the Marina Green running west toward Crissy Field to Fort Point below the Golden Gate Bridge. From Fort Point they battle the Presidio Headlands up and under the Golden Gate Bridge through the tunnel and onto the Coast Trail. Runners will run next to the Coastal Defense Batteries (Gunnery Locations from the turn of the century) until they reach Lincoln Boulevard just past Battery Dynamite. They parallel Lincoln Blvd. on the narrow trail above the Coastal Bluffs to Baker Beach where they return to the shoreline below. They will encounter the deep sand of Baker Beach to the turn-around point and back until they reach the dreaded Sand Ladder (400 steps up the cliff). This experience will drain the legs of even the best professionals. Runners are urged to use the hand cable to help them walk up the stairs. The stairs are to the run what the currents and waves are to the swim. After reaching the top of the Sand Ladder, runners will go left on the Coast Trail and back to the finish line via Lincoln Blvd. Runners will follow their path back under the Golden Gate Bridge, pass Crissy Field, and finish in the grass at Marina Green among thousands of cheering fans.
Road
Hilly
Out & back
Island

Official links

https://www.escapealcatraztri.com/

https://www.facebook.com/escapealcatraztri

https://instagram.com/escapealcatraztri

https://twitter.com/hashtag/escapealcatraztri?src=hash

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