You may have read J. Campbell Bruce’s 1963 nonfiction book, Escape from Alcatraz, which details the history of the infamous California penitentiary and the attempted escapes that ensued over the years. Perhaps you have seen the legendary 1979 Clint Eastwood movie bearing the same title, that depicts an inmate’s time served at the prison and the meticulously crafted, ultimate escape plan he organizes. But have you heard about the annual Escape From Alcatraz Triathlon Festival and Fitness Expo that has been taking place in San Francisco for the past 40 years?
This one-of-a-kind, two-day event gathers fans, fitness lovers, professional and Olympic athletes, world champions, and Alcatraz enthusiasts from all over the globe to celebrate, spectate, and of course, compete in the 40-year old tradition. The triathlon portion offers relay, professional, and para triathlon events, as well as slots for charities. Each year, the athletes who are brave enough to participate face three major challenges as they traverse through beautiful and scenic San Francisco toward the finish line. Competitors are first expected to swim 1.5 miles from Alcatraz Island to the shoreline at St. Francis Yacht Club, then bike-ride for 18 miles through tough terrain, and finally, end with an 8-mile run through the gorgeous paths of the Golden Gate Recreational Center. Eager participants travel from all 50 U.S. states and more than 50 countries to experience this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
While at the Escape From Alcatraz Fitness Festival and Expo, guests will be able to peruse an array of vendor and product displays, enjoy a variety of free food, beverage, and other types of samples, and also get the chance to enter a number of exciting product giveaways and sweepstakes. In addition to a main random-drawing event, visitors can enjoy a beer garden and other activities, as well as keep track of the competitors’ progress in the triathlon.
The Escape From Alcatraz Triathlon Festival will be held on Saturday, June 4, and Sunday, June 5, 2022, in Marina Green, San Francisco. Escaping from Alcatraz may not be an easy feat, but registering to compete in the triathlon is quick and simple, and attending the spectacular as a spectator is even easier. You can find more information on the event, order VIP packages, and register online, all with a click of a button. So, who will join this arduous and incredible “prison of a competition,” and just who will “escape?”