Our Alcatraz.com

Escape from the Rock Triathlon Comes to Alcatraz June 20

We've already had the Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon race this year, the only competition which starts from the shores of the island.   On June 20 the 30th Annual Escape from the Rock Triathlon comes to Alcatraz, although it starts from a ferry anchored east of Alcatraz to protect the nests of seabirds on the island. 

In addition to the 1.5 mile swim from Alcatraz to Aquatic Park in San Francisco followed by a 4-mile run, competitors will ride a 13 mile bike route, largely through the Presidio, and close the event with a 5K run.  

The event starts with racers assembling at Aquatic Park, which is also the transition from the swim to the first run .  The finish line is at Fort Winfield Scott in the Presidio.

Copyright (c) 2010, OurAlcatraz.com.  All Rights Reserved.

Alcatrez Sharkfest Swim Takes Place June 6

The Alcatraz Sharkfest Swim Race on June 6 starts at Alcatraz and finishes at East Beach on Crissy Field in San Francisco.  Swimmers will embark on the ferry from Pier 33 (after mustering earlier at Aquatic Park) in San Francisco at 7:35 A.M., and the race will begin at 8:15.

Unlike the Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon race, which starts on the island, the Sharkfest starts from the ferry as it's anchored east of Alcatraz Island.   This protects nesting birds and other wildlife on the island. 

Navigation for the swimmers involves allowing for the strong currents from the ebb tide. The race organizers website shows how swimmers have to aim east of their true destination to avoid being carried past the entrance to Aquatic Park by the tides.

The event starts with racers gathering at Aquatic Park, which is also the location of the finish line and the best place to partake of the festivities.

Copyright (c) 2010, OurAlcatraz.com.  All Rights Reserved.

Alcatraz Challenge Swim is Sunday, May 30

On May 30 the Alcatraz Challenge 1.5 mile swim will start at Alcatraz and finish at East Beach on Crissy Field in San Francisco.  Swimmers will arrive by ferry at 7:30 A.M.

Unlike the Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon race, which starts on the island, the Alcatraz Challenge starts from the ferry as it's anchored 100 yards of the southern shoreline of Alcatraz.   600 competitors will dive off the boat in about 6 minutes, which alone has to be a pretty amazing sight.

This reduces the disturbance to nesting birds and other wildlife and, well, it makes the swim 100 yards shorter.  In 54-degree water temperatures and currents as strong as 4 knots (enough to take you under the Golden Gate Bridge in an hour if you just tread water), that 100 yards probably feels like a good thing.

Navigation for the swimmers is something like playing badminton on a windy day.  The competitors website shows maps of the currents and some of the different routes swimmers have used for the crossing.  The tracks look like an old Spirograph drawing, twisting everywhere.

Since the race starts from the ferry, Crissy Field is probably the best point to watch from, and that's the location for the finish line. 

Copyright (c) 2010, OurAlcatraz.com.  All Rights Reserved.