FAQs

This is a modified International Distance Triathlon consisting of a 1.5-mile swim (2.4km), followed by an 18-mile bike (29km), and followed by an 8-mile run (13km).

2025 will mark the 45th time that the race takes place!

The race is open to professional triathletes, age group amateurs, and relay teams. All participants must be 18 years of age or older at the time of the race.

The race is capped at 2,000 entries. This is primarily due to the capacity on the boat and the time constraints on the race course.

This race is extremely challenging and is not recommended for first-time triathletes unless you have experience in similar disciplines, are in excellent physical condition, or have been working out with an experienced trainer or coach.

The race is held in and around San Francisco Bay. The swim starts off Alcatraz Island and the swim exit is located adjacent to St. Francis Yacht Club off Marina Blvd. The transition area, finish line, and festival expo are located at Marina Green near the intersection of Marina Blvd and Scott Street. The bike course travels through the Presidio, out the Great Highway, through Golden Gate Park and back to Marina Green. The run course travels through the Presidio, under the Golden Gate Bridge, along Baker Beach, and back to Marina Green. For more information on the course, CLICK HERE.

The 2025 Escape From Alcatraz Triathlon will take place June 1st, 2025. The San Francisco T100 Race will take place on May 31st, 2025

The weather can vary greatly at this time of year even minute by minute. Generally, the weather is mild in the upper 50's to upper 70's, however some years have seen low 40's and some have seen upper 80's. The water temperature in the Bay is generally around 55 degrees.

This race does not have an open entry process. However, there are several ways to gain access:

1. Selection in the Random Drawing.

2. Qualify by placing first in your age group in the previous year's Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon

3. Enter on behalf of a Partner Charity

4. Receive a Sponsor Guest Slot

Yes, you must be at least 18 years of age before the race day.

Individuals: $862.11

Open Relay Teams: $499.99 per team member

We accept VISA, MasterCard, AMEX, and Discover Card.

2025 Random Drawing is now open!

Random Drawing Procedure can be viewed HERE

No, entry is completely free. If you are one of the lucky entrants selected to register for the Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon, there will be a fee at this time.

Athletes are welcome to register as the gender they identify as, regardless of gender assigned at birth. If they haven’t already done so, the athlete must notify USA Triathlon at the time of registration that they are applying to register as a gender other than their birth gender and USA Triathlon may request documentation confirming their consistent gender identity.

If you have previously registered and would like to adjust your gender identity selection please email info@escapealcatraztri.com.

Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon offers an 'Open' competitor division in addition to ‘Male’ and ‘Female’. Non-binary athletes may select the 'Open' category at the time of registration. If an athlete holds an annual USA Triathlon membership, they will need to ensure that their registration selection matches their membership. Awards will be given to the first, second and third overall finishers in the 'Open' Division.

If you have previously registered and would like to adjust your gender identity selection please email info@escapealcatraztri.com.

If an Athlete selects to 'not disclose' a gender identity they will compete in the 'Open' Division against all other Athletes in that category. Awards will be given to the first, second and third overall finishers in the Open Division.

If you have previously registered and would like to adjust your gender identity selection please email info@escapealcatraztri.com.

The number of people entering the drawing varies from year to year. Additionally, there are some advantages based on prior participation in the Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon and based on where you live. Generally speaking, you will have between a 30% and 50% chance of being selected.

There is no minimum qualifying time or required experience to enter. However, we will ask athletes to provide a list of three relevant endurance sport races (such as triathlons of similar distance, dual sport races, running, cycling, open water swimming, etc.) they have participated in within the past 5 years. This ensures you have experience with conditions similar to those of Escape From Alcatraz and helps us better understand our competitors, ensuring the safety of all athletes.

No, winning spots and registered entries are non-transferable.

Selectees will receive an email with a link to accept and complete registration. Winning a slot does not guarantee registration, as all winning slots will have a deadline to be accepted. If you do not accept and register in time, you have forfeited your spot. No exceptions.

Selectees will receive an email with a link to accept and complete registration. All winning slots will have a deadline to be accepted. If you do not accept in time, you have forfeited your spot. No exceptions. Please note that the registration window might close early if capacity is reached due to high demand.

The Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon offers a limited number of spots to charities. These charities may distribute their entry slots as they choose. Interested parties must contact each charity directly regarding their race entries. To view a list of participating charities, CLICK HERE.

Some sponsorship packages include race entries. If you or your company is interested in becoming a sponsor of this event, please contact us at info@escapealcatraztri.com.

View Refund; Deferral; Transfer; and Event Cancellation Policies HERE.