FAQs

The 2027 Sokin Escape From Alcatraz Triathlon race will take place on Sunday, June 6, 2027. 

All registered athletes are be required to pick up their race packet and attend one athlete safety meeting on Saturday, June 5, 2027. 

The T-100 Professional Race will take also take place the morning of Saturday, June 5, 2027. 

The Sokin Escape From Alcatraz Triathlon is staged in and around San Francisco Bay.

• 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.

For maps and full course details, CLICK HERE.

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

The 2027 Random Drawing for Age Groupers will open on September 23, 2026. 

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 of the Random Drawing entry period for a chance to be selected for official registration. 

Round 1 Random Drawing Window: September 23, 2026 - October 20, 2026

Round 2 Random Drawing Window: October 21, 2026 - November 10, 2026

Registration for all other divisions (Charity Racers, Open Relay, Collegiate, and Corporate Escape) will open on September 23, 2026.

• Charity Racer Entry – Skip Random Drawing and guarantee your entry by registering to represent an official Charity Partner. Fundraising minimum required for entry.
• Open Relay - Participate as a Relay Team of 2 or 3 to divide and conquer the Escape course.
• Corporate Escape Relay - Participate as a Relay Team of 3 while fundraising in support of the American Cancer Society. every team commits to raising a minimum of $2,000 - the more you raise, the more benefits you unlock!
• Collegiate Division - Undergraduate and Graduate School student triathletes competing in teams of five on behalf of their college or university. One female is required in the team of five individuals.

To participate in the full course age group division, athletes must enter the Random Drawing- the official sign-up process that determines race entries. Random Drawing opens September 23, 2026.

Round 1 Random Drawing Window: September 23, 2026 - October 20, 2026

Round 1 Winners Announced: October 28, 2026

Round 2 Random Drawing Window: October 21, 2026 - November 10, 2026

Round 2 Winners Announced: November 18, 2026

No, entry in to the Random Drawing is completely FREE.

If you are one of the lucky Random Drawing winners selected to register for The Sokin Escape From Alcatraz Triathlon, there will be a fee to claim your spot to the 2027 race.

No. There is no minimum qualifying time or required triathlon experience that is required in order to participate in The Sokin Escape From Alcatraz Triathlon.

However, when entering the Random Drawing window and completing the application, athletes will be asked to list up to three relevant endurance events- such as triathlons of similar distance, duathlons, long-distance running or cycling events, or open-water swims- completed within the past five years.

Athlete safety is the utmost priority and the information provided will help race management understand each athlete’s background to ensure that everyone is prepared for all conditions of The Sokin Escape From Alcatraz Triathlon.

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.

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

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-27
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@hakusports.com for the fastest assistance.

Ensure that the name on your registration exactly matches your USA Triathlon membership, including full legal name, middle names, and any accents or special characters you used when registering for a USA Triathlon membership. Find your USA Triathlon information HERE.

If you are unable to locate your existing USA Triathlon membership, please contact the USA Triathlon Membership Hotline directly at 719-725-2209.

The Sokin Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon is a challenging course. Generally, we do not recommended this race for first-time triathletes unless you have:

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

As a USA Triathlon sanctioned event, the Sokin Escape team is subject to following USA Triathlon's gender inclusion policies. Please review USA Triathlon's gender inclusion policy on more information.

If you are registering as a gender different from your birth gender, you must notify USA Triathlon during registration.

If you’ve already registered and need to update your gender selection, please email us at info@escapealcatraztri.com

The Sokin Escape From Alcatraz Triathlon offers an 'Open' competitor division in addition to ‘our Male’ and ‘Female’ divisions. Non-binary athletes may select the 'Open' category at the time of registration (after the Random Drawing entry period). 

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 us at info@escapealcatraztri.com.

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).

2027 will mark the 47th year 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.

Yes. Athletes who are 17 at the time of the Random Drawing or Registration but will be 18 years old by race weekend (June 5, 2027) are eligible to participate. To complete registration, you will need to:

1) Contact our team at info@escapealcatraztri.com and provide your parent or guardian’s name and email address.

2) Our team will send a Participant Waiver to your guardian for signature. 

3) Once you turn 18, you will be required to re-sign the waiver yourself to finalize your registration.

This process ensures compliance with USA Triathlon rules while allowing eligible athletes to safely compete once they meet the minimum age requirement. 

See Race Registration Policies.

Age Groups are based on your age as of December 31, 2027, in accordance with USA Triathlon rules. Awards are given to the top three athletes in each division:

Age Group Divisions (Men & Women):

18–19

20–24

25–29

30–34

35–39

40–44

45–49

50–54

55–59

60–64

65–69

70–74

75–79

80+

Example: If you turn 35 in November 2027, you’ll compete in the 35–39 Age Group at the 2027 Sokin Escape From Alcatraz Triathlon — even if you’re still 34 on race day.

Para-athletes race in a separate division with classifications set by USA Triathlon.

Open Division athletes race in a separate division, competing against all other athletes in that category.

Age Group Individuals: $879

Charity Racers: Entry fee covered by charity partner. Fundraising commitment required. 

Open Relay Teams: $491 per team member

Corporate Escape Relay Teams: Fundraising commitment of $2,000 per team

Collegiate Division Teams: $377 per team member

Your registration fee is all-inclusive—there are no hidden charges. Each entry covers:

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

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

You have 5 days from the day you registered to purchase Registration Protection if you did not add it during registration. 

This is strongly recommended in case of unexpected life events. 

With Registration Protection, you may cancel and receive a refund (Terms & Conditions apply). Review Registration Protection FAQs to see what scenarios are covered.

All registrations are non-refundable unless you purchase Registration Protection. NO EXCEPTIONS!

Athlete safety is our top priority.

Race staff, water safety team and municipal agencies (local and national) work closely together to monitor and manage all portions of the race. Several water rescue vessels or crafts (including jetskis, kayaks, paddle boards, etc.) are deployed along the swim course to support a safe swim.

Trained medical teams and EMS staff are positioned along every leg of the course. Aid stations with hydration and first-aid support are available along the course as well.

Athletes are asked to attend athlete meetings on Saturday, June 5th as important information regarding guidelines related to gear requirements, weather updates, etc. will be shared to help facilitate a safe race experience for athletes, volunteers and spectators.

We also provide race preparation newsletters and a detailed Athlete Guide in the lead-up to race weekend to help athletes prepare safely and confidently.

We review and refine race logistics every year with a focus on safety, and  will continue to implement improvements in the months preceding the event.

We recommend hotels located in the Marina district or Fisherman's Wharf. For more information, visit our LODGING page.

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/

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.

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

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.

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.

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

Open Relay: Top Male, Female & Mixed Teams

Corporate Escape: Fastest Team & Top Fundraising Team

Collegiate Escape: 1st place Team

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

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.

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 2028. 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. For more information visit www.t100triathlon.com

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