FAQs

• Swim: Starts with a jump into the water, near Alcatraz Island, finishing adjacent to the St. Francis Yacht Club off Marina Blvd.
   
• Bike Course: Travels through the Presidio, out the Great Highway, through Golden Gate Park, and back to Marina Green.
   
• Run Course: Winds through the Presidio, under the Golden Gate Bridge, along Baker Beach, and returns to Marina Green.
   
• Transition, Finish Line & Fitness Festival: All located at Marina Green, near Marina Blvd and Scott Street.

The Escape From Alcatraz Triathlon is open to age-group amateurs, collegiate athletes, and relay teams. All participants must be 18 years or older on race day to compete.

All entries to the 2026 race is CLOSED.

To participate in the full course age group division, athletes must enter the Random Drawing- the official sign-up process that determines race entries. 

Though there is no open entry process, there are several ways to secure a spot:

• Random Drawing – Apply during the Round 1 or Round 2 Random Drawing entry period for a chance to be selected for official registration. Round 1 of the Random Drawing for the 2026 Escape will remain open until October 21st, 2025 followed by a Round 2 of the Random Drawing which will close on November 12th, 2025.
• Waitlist - Once the Random Drawing entry period has closed, you may join our General Entry Waitlist for the chance to race if spots become available.
• Charity Partner Race Entry – Register as a Charity Racer through our Charity Partner Program. This does not require you to enter the Random Drawing. The Charity Partner Program is CLOSED.
• Age Group Division Qualification – Earn an automatic spot by placing first in your age group at the previous year’s Escape From Alcatraz Triathlon.
• Open Relay Team - Participate as a Relay Team of 2 or 3 to divide and conquer the Escape course. Open Relay registration is CLOSED.
• Collegiate Division - Undergraduate & Graduate School student triathletes may compete in teams of five, representing their college or university. Collegiate Division registration is CLOSED.

The Random Drawing is designed to ensure a fair and equitable process, but demand always exceeds capacity, making selection highly competitive and never guaranteed.

Each year, thousands of athletes from across the country and around the world apply for a chance to race, and odds of selection vary based on the size of the applicant pool.

If you are experiencing difficulties logging in to claim your Random Drawing winning spot, try resetting your Haku password before logging in and follow these instructions:

1. Before claiming registration, use EFAT login page to reset password: https://manage.hakuapp.com/login/efat-25
2. Click 'forgot password'
3. Enter your email to receive your reset password link
4. Once you reset your password, return to your application pre-approved email to claim your registration

If problems persist during registration, please contact our registration platform directly at support@hakuapp.com for the fastest assistance.

How to confirm your USATriathlon membership:

Please ensure the name on your registration exactly matches your USATriathlon membership, including full legal name, middle names, and any accents or special characters you used when registering for a USATriathlon membership. Check your USATriathlon information HERE.

1. Reset your Haku password
2. Return to your application pre-approved email to claim your registration using the exact name you used for your USATriathlon membership.

• Solid experience in similar endurance sports
• Are in excellent physical condition
• Have trained under an experienced coach or trainer.

Participation is limited to 2,000 athletes, a cap set by the race’s Start Boat capacity and race-day time constraints.

Conditions can change quickly- even within minutes.

Air temperatures usually range from the upper 50s to upper 70s °F (15–25 °C), though some years have dipped into the low 40s or climbed into the upper 80s.

San Francisco Bay water temperatures average around 55 °F (13 °C).

2026 will mark the 46th running of the Escape From Alcatraz Triathlon, carrying on more than four decades of racing tradition in San Francisco.

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

• Official race registration
• Haku platform processing fees
• Custom athlete shirt
• Athlete gift bag
• Timing chip
• Customized race packet
• Finisher medal
• Post-race Athlete Hospitality (catering, massages, and medical services)
• Online results
• ESCAPE team support via email: info@escapealcatraztri.com

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

SFO is the closest airport.

Here are all main airports of the SF Bay Area

SFO – San Francisco International Airport www.flysfo.com

OAK – Oakland International Airport https://www.oaklandairport.com

SJC – San Jose Mineta International Airport https://www.flysanjose.com/

For athletes driving to the event, we recommend parking at the Palace of Fine Arts lot. For details, click here. 

Ride your bike – San Francisco is a bike friendly town! Learn more
Public Transportation – Learn more
San Francisco Cable Cars – Learn More

Bib numbers will be live on our website by May 18th.

Please check the start list to confirm that your name, gender, and age group are listed correctly.

NOTE: Age group assignments are based on your age on December 31, 2026, per USA Triathlon guidelines. 

Winning a slot in the Random Drawing does not guarantee entry. You must register and receive your event confirmation email from Haku. Once bib numbers are assigned closer to the race day, a participant list will be available on the Official Event Website. If the list is not posted yet, feel free to email the Event at info@escapealcatraztri.com to check your registration status.

All athletes must pick up their packet on Saturday, June 6, from 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Athletes must attend 1 of 2 Athlete Meetings on Saturday, June 6-

Athlete Meeting #1: 12:30 PM at Awards Stage

Athlete Meeting #2: 3:30 PM at Awards Stage

Collegiate Athlete Meeting is at 1:30 PM

Godfather VIP Athlete Meeting is at 12:00 PM

Bike Racking will be allowed in the Transition Area on Saturday, June 6, from 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM (ONLY Bikes may be left). 

On Sunday morning, athletes can finish racking their bike (if they did not do this on Saturday) and set up their remaining items in Transition Area. 

Transition Area on Race Day, Sunday, June 7th will be open from 4:00 AM - 5:15 AM.

Yes. On Friday before the race, Sports Basement will host a Sokin Escape From Alcatraz Triathlon Panel Discussion and pre-race talk, question & answer session with former participants. This will take place at the Sports Basement Presidio near the event site. RSVP HERE

Each participant MUST bring a valid ID. All annual USA Triathlon members must bring their membership card.

Yes. All athletes are required to have either a valid annual USA Triathlon (USAT) membership or have a pre-purchased 1-day license. You can purchase a 1-day license HERE. Note, this must be completed prior to race weekend. You will NOT be able to pick up your race bib and race packet without it. 

Saturday during Packet Pickup.

No. All athletes must pick up their own packet in person on Saturday. All athletes must present a valid photo ID. No exceptions.

You will have the opportunity to rack your bike on Saturday, June 6th during Packet Pickup. Though you are will be able to rack your bike early, you will NOT set up the rest of your Transition items until Sunday morning at 4:00 AM.

You will receive it during Packet Pickup on Saturday. 

You will receive two race bags during Packet Pickup. 

The Red bag is to be used at the Swim

Exit at Little Marina Green. You should bring the items for your RED Transition bag on Saturday, June 6th.

These items may include:

o Small water bottle

o Towel

o Secondary pair of running shoes

for the 1/2-mile warm up run from

Swim Exit (Little Marina Green) to

Transition Area (Marina Green) 

The White bag is to be used for items you will

need on the way to the Swim Start at Pier

3, BEFORE you board the Start Boat. Bring this Sunday, June 7th with you on the shuttles. Items in this bag may include:

o Warm clothes (sweatshirt, pants)

o Sandals/shoes that are worn to Pier 3

o Glasses

NO ELECTRONICS ALLOWED

All Transition Bags (Red and White) will be available for pick-up at the Bag Corral (the Awards Stage) on Sunday from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM. To help identify your gear in case items are separated, please write your name and bib number inside your wetsuit with a permanent marker. Items not picked up as of 2PM on Sunday will be donated. 

• Bikes are not allowed in the Athlete Area during Packet Pick-Up on Saturday.
• If you choose to pick-up your packet before the Transition Area opens (at 1:00 PM), you can check in your bike with our complimentary Bike Valet (see location on the site map). You may retrieve your bike from Bike Valet once you have completed Packet Pick-Up and when the Transition Area opens at 1:00 PM.
• Saturday Bike Valet hours are 5:30 AM - 3:30 PM.
• Saturday Transition Area hours are 12:00 PM - 3:30 PM

Wetsuits are mandatory for all athletes and may not exceed 5mm in thickness. Gloves and booties are permitted but must be approved by USA Triathlon (USAT) officials prior to boarding the Start Boat. Neoprene boots and socks are allowed provided they do not aid in propulsion, meaning no webbed designs or web-like construction between the toes. See USAT rules here. 

Approx. 55 F

There will be approximately 100 water safety personnel and watercrafts — including kayaks, small boats, jet skis, and stand-up paddle boards — throughout the San Francisco Bay monitoring athletes and providing assistance if needed.

If you need a moment to rest, re-orient yourself, or regain composure in the water, you may hold onto a kayak without penalty or disqualification. Once you are ready, you may continue swimming.

All athletes must follow instructions from aquatic safety personnel at all times. These teams are responsible for monitoring conditions and keeping athletes on course.

Please note: if you exit the water and board a vessel, you will not be permitted to continue the race.

The cut-off time for the swim is 1.5 hours (90 minutes). The race officially begins at 7:00 AM. Swim safety personnel will begin repositioning any remaining athletes in the water at 8:00 AM. These athletes will be moved to a designated point approximately 200 yards offshore and will be permitted to complete the Swim and continue the race until 8:30 AM without penalty.

Athletes who remain in the water after 8:30 AM will not be permitted to continue the race.

If you decide to end your race at any point during the Swim, please notify Race Officials immediately and return your timing chip.

After exiting the water, athletes will complete a half-mile “warm-up run” from Swim Exit at Little Marina Green to the Transition Area at Marina Green.

While not required, we strongly recommend removing your wetsuit prior to starting the warm-up run. Once water begins draining from the suit, it can become more difficult to remove later in Transition.

The RED TRANSITION BAG (distrubted at Packet Pickup) is specifically intended for items needed at Swim Finish and during the warm-up run. Bring these itens with you on SATURDAY, JUNE 6th to Packet Pickup.

Common items athletes place in this bag include:

- Small water bottle

- Towel

- Secondary pair of running shoes for the half-mile run to Transition Area

At Swim Exit, place your wetsuit and any Swim-related items back into your assigned RED TRANSITION BAG. You have the optioon to carry this with you during your run to Transition Area, or you may leave it at Swim Exit. Bags will be organized by bib number and returned to the Bag Corral following the race on Sunday, June 7. The Bag Corral will remain open on Sunday, June 7th until 2:00 PM for pickup.

Yes! Our friends at San Francisco Swim offer regular Bay swim clinics. For more info and schedules, visit: https://sanfranciscoswim.com 

 If you have not entered Golden Gate Park before 9:20 AM, you will be re-routed on the Great Highway to return to the Transition Area. The remainder of the bike course will be cut-off at 10:15 AM.

No, only participants are allowed in the Transition Area. Spectator viewing is available along Marina Blvd. 

NO decorations are allowed including signage, balloons, stuffed animals, etc.

The Escape Bike course is highly technical, hilly, and features frequent turns, climbs, descents, and changes in terrain. Because of this, there is generally no significant advantage to riding a traditional triathlon or time trial bike over a standard road bike on this course.

Athletes should prioritize comfort, control, confident handling, and reliable shifting over pure aerodynamics. However, some bike setup adjustments may still be beneficial:

Carbon rim wheels may assist with climbing efficiency on the steep hills.

Short aero bars may provide some benefit during the limited aerodynamic sections of the course.

An elevation map can be found on our website: CLICK HERE

Sports Basement is located in the Presidio approximately a mile from the Transition Area, Finish Line, and Fitness Festival at Marina Green. 610 Old Mason Street. They have plenty of experts on hand in their bicycle department who can assist you. Sports Basement staff will also be on hand in Transition and on the course to assist with bike support. However, be patient as they make their way to you on course as they will be roaming and assisting athletes as they spot them. 

Yes! Our friends over at Sports Basement have a limited number of bikes available for rental. For more details, click HERE. All Escape bike rentals must be picked up at the Sports Basement Presidio store: 610 Old Mason St, San Francisco, CA 94129

Do not forget to return your bike to Sports Basement - San Francisco Presidio at the conclusion of the event.

The run course is made up of asphalt, chip trail, dirt trail, stairs, a tunnel, sand, sand steps, and grass.

No, you will not only encounter participants running in the opposite direction as you but you will also encounter Sunday morning joggers, walkers, and dogs. Be careful and stay focused. Some parts of the course are narrow with participants running in two directions. Be kind and courteous to other participants.

The Sand Ladder is a stepped climb that takes you from the beach up to the road above, constructed with wooden slats covered in sand. As you make your way up, aim to step on the wooden slats for better footing. A wire handrail is also available to help pull yourself upward.

Located near mile 5 of the run course, the Sand Ladder is best approached with a steady walk—running will quickly drain your energy before the finish. Even the pros opt to walk or take it at a light jog. Watch your step as the path is uneven and may be slippery.

The Finish Line is located at Marina Green next to Transition and the Fitness Festival. Spectators, family, and friends may cheer on participants on either side of the Finish Chute as athletes finish.

No, only participants may cross the Finish Line and are allowed in the Finish Chute.

You will receive water and a finisher's medal when you cross the Finish Line. Medical and massage assistance will be available if needed. In addition, each participant will be treated to a catered meal upon finishing.

Aid stations are located at Transition, Swim Exit, and at each mile along the run course. 

Water and isotonic will be available at each aid station. Water will also be available at the race start and finish. 

No gels or gu’s allowed on course. This is to protect our National Parks.

Each finisher will enjoy a fully catered meal in the Athlete Area. Isotonic drinks and water will also be available. This is for Escape finishers only.

A relay team is made up of two to three participants who each participate in one leg of the triathlon. The timing chip acts as the “baton" and is handed off to the next relay team member during transition.

The swimmer.

The cyclist and the runner must wait in transition in the relay corral. The swimmer passes the timing chip (the “baton") off to the cyclist. The cyclist passes the timing chip off to the runner.

7:00 AM. No exceptions or excuses.

We need and accept many volunteers for this race! Become a volunteer by submitting your information HERE.

Marina Green is an excellent spot to catch the swim start and follow the action in the water. For a close-up view of the swim exit, head to Marina Green Beach (also knoown as Little Marina Green Shore) just west of St. Francis Yacht Club. Marina Green also offers the best view for the Transition.

Along Marina Blvd, spectators can see portions of both the bike and run courses. At the Finish Line, standing room on both sides of the chute provide a great view as athletes cross the line.

There is a Fitness Festival and Expo located at Marina Green with many vendors, activities, concessions, and a beer garden. The expo is a free, family-friendly event open to the public.

Children ages 3 and below are given free entry to the VIP area. Children ages 4+ are allowed in the VIP area, but require a ticket.

Please be aware that dogs are not permitted on site during event weekend. Attendees accompanied by service dogs are welcome.

Accessible parking spaces will be available for use. Please note that the area is located on grass terrain.

Yes — general event viewing areas are ADA accessible.

Yes.

1. Return your timing chip in the Athlete Area to avoid a $125 charge

2. Watch the Awards Ceremony at the Awards Stage at 12:00pm

3. Register for the 2027 Escape! For the first time ever, 2026 Finishers will have exclusive early access to next year's race without having to enter the Random Drawing.

4. Collect your items from Bag Corral (Open 11 AM - 2 PM)

5. Collect your items from Transition Area (Open 10:15 AM - 2 PM)

6. Return your rental bike (if applicable)

Age Group: 1st, 2nd & 3rd place – Age Group – Male, Female & Open

Collegiate Escape: 1st place Team

Open Relay: Top Male, Female & Mixed Teams

Para Triathlete: 1st, 2nd & 3rd place – Male & Female

Race photos will be available 24 hours after the race for viewing and can be purchased via FinisherPix HERE

The awards ceremony will take place on the Awards Stage at Marina Green at approximately 12:00pm on Sunday.

For accessibility accommodations, such as materials in alternative formats, real time captioning or sign language interpretation, please contact us at info@escapealcatraztri.com Please note that submitting your request at least 2 weeks before the event will help ensure availability.

Escape From Alcatraz Triathlon Age Group Winners will have the opportunity to skip the Random Drawing process and receive an invitation to register for a race entry into the following year’s Escape From Alcatraz Triathlon.

**This is a paid entry into the Escape From Alcatraz Triathlon, NOT a complimentary race entry.**

The Professional Triathlon Organisation (PTO) is a sports body that is co-owned by its professional athletes, seeking to elevate and grow the sport of triathlon and take it to the next level. Its T100 Triathlon World Tour was introduced in January 2024 and is designated by World Triathlon as the ‘official World Championship for long distance triathlon’. This is part of a 12-year strategic partnership with the sport’s international governing body to develop the sport and it will grow further in 2027 with the launch of the new Triathlon World Tour. The T100 Triathlon World Tour is a season-long schedule of World Championship level races competed over 100km (2km swim, 80km bike and 18km run), where the world’s best triathletes go head-to-head in iconic locations. In 2026, the T100 Tour will deliver its 9-stop T100 Race To Qatar to: the Gold Coast (21-22 March), Singapore (25-26 April), Spain (23-24 May), San Francisco (6-7 June), Vancouver (15-16 August), French Riviera (19-20 September), Dubai (12-15 November), Saudi Arabia (November) & Qatar (11-12 December).  T100 weekends are ‘festivals of multisport’ and feature a range of opportunities for amateur athletes of all levels to get involved. From experienced amateurs tackling the 100km distance to first-time swim, bike and run participants taking on single discipline, untimed events. For more information visit www.t100triathlon.com

When will the Sokin San Francisco T100 Race take place?

There is only 1 shuttle from Hotel Caza to Marina Green on Sunday, Race Day morning.

The pick-up location will be at the corner of Columbus/ North Beach near Hotel Caza and will depart at 3:50 AM.

Note for participants: Transition Area closes at 5:15 AM. Arriving at Marina Green at 5:00 AM is TOO LATE. 

You will not have enough time to set up your Transition Area and catch the shuttle to Pier 3/Start Boat.  

If you arrive this late, you will be responsible for finding your own transportation to Pier 3/Start Boat and may miss the opportunity to relay any gear before boarding. 

Fans can watch the Sokin San Francisco T100 in person at the Escape From Alcatraz Triathlon Fitness Festival located at Marina Green.The race is also streamed via T100 platform, which can be viewed here. 

No. The Sokin San Francisco T100 Race and The Sokin Escape From Alcatraz Triathlon are separate races taking part on different days. 

Sunday’s race will be dedicated to the age group athletes, while Saturday is dedicated to the T100 professionals. 

To inquire about media passes and coverage for the event please click here.