The 33rd Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon goes on Sunday

The 33^rd Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon goes on Sunday March 3 with a 7:30 am (PST) race start.

The world’s top athletes will take over the streets and waters of San Francisco to compete in one of the most prestigious triathlons in the world, the 33rd annual Escape from AlcatrazTM

Triathlon. Featuring a 1.5 mile swim from Alcatraz Island to the shore, an 18-mile bike race and an 8-mile run through San Francisco, this race is considered one of the most difficult triathlons in the world. In addition to watching top triathletes from more than 34 countries compete, spectators will enjoy the weekend long free Fitness Festival and Expo with more than 40 booths exhibiting the health and fitness industries latest products and services, food and more.

The 2013 Escape From Alcatraz Triathlon commences with a plunge into the icy cold water off the coast of Alcatraz Island. Triathletes are divided into several heats by age and sex and

will jump from the deck of the boats with a one-minute time differential between the professional and amateur classes. The swim concludes at Marina Green Beach adjacent to the St. Francis Yacht Club. Upon climbing out of the water, athletes will switch to running shoes for the half- mile warm-up run to Marina Green.

Mounting their bikes at Marina Green, triathletes will start the 18-mile ride heading west to Crissy Field via Marina Blvd. Cyclists then travel through the Presidio and up the hill to the Palace of the Legion of Honor Museum. Riders will loop through the streets of San Francisco and past several city landmarks, through Golden Gate Park, along the Great Highway and return to Marina Green for the transition to the run segment of the event.

On tired legs, triathletes will begin the eight-mile run to the Baker Beach Battery by leaving Marina Green heading west into Crissy Field, turning right to run along the shoreline of the Golden Gate Promenade and under the Golden Gate Bridge. From there, runners will battle the trails within the Presidio Headlands, the Coast Trail to Lincoln Blvd. and run above the coastal bluffs until they arrive at Baker Beach. Upon arrival at the beach, participants will encounter the deep sand and the notoriously dreaded 400 step Sand Ladder. Athletes will then cross back under the Golden Gate Bridge and return to sea level to reach the finish line at Marina Green.

American Andy Potts, the most prolific winner of the event, revealed that he will be attending the event but will not defend his title.

“I will not be racing at Escape from Alcatraz This Weekend but I will be there doing some amazing things with my sponsors,” said Potts on twitter.

Past Champions

2012: Andy Potts and Leanda Cave

2011: Andy Potts and Nicky Samuels

2010: Hunter Kemper and Leanda Cave

2009: Andy Potts and Mary Beth Ellis

2008: Andy Potts and Leanda Cave

2007: Andy Potts and Leanda Cave

2006: Matt Reed and Becky Lavelle

2005: Hunter Kemper and Susan Williams

Find out more at Escape From Alcatraz Triathlon.