This Sunday is the 31st annual Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon which winds its way through the outer Richmond District and Golden Gate Park.
The race features a 1.5 mile swim from Alcatraz to the St. Francis Yacht Club, an 18 mile bike ride, and finishes up with an 8 mile run. Last year’s top male finished in 1:58:21; the top woman came in at 2:14:34. Wow.
If you want to spectate during the race, good spots in or near the Richmond District include Martin Luther King Dr. or JFK Drive in Golden Gate Park (cycling), Baker Beach for the run (top of the sand ladder is a good spot), and near the Cliff House to see cycling.
View a large course map (pdf)
Traffic effects should be pretty minimal. The Legion of Honor tweeted that El Camino del Mar and 34th Avenue near the museum will be closed from 8am until 11 am, affecting access to the museum. Auto access along the northern part of the Great Highway up to the Cliff House will likely also be restricted. And expect access to the Presidio at 25th Avenue to be unavailable.
Racers hit the cold waters of the Bay at 7:30am and the first professional finishers are expected by 9:30am. Good luck to all the racers, including my friend Simon who is coming in from Hong Kong for the big day!
Sarah B.
Hats off to the competitors this year. Let’s hope the weather cooperates.
This is a great event. Last year we watched from the bottom of the Baker Beach sand ladder, then moved to the top. Brutal, but much respect for these athletes.