Frequently Asked Questions
2021 Frequently Asked Questions
GENERAL |
What type of Triathlon is this and what are the distances? How many years has this triathlon taken place? Who can participate in the triathlon? How many entry spots are available to participants? Is this a good race for first-timers? Where does the race take place? When will the race take place? What is the weather and water temperature in mid-August in San Francisco? A: 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 60 degrees. What’re EFAT’s plans to implement COVID safety measures at the event in 2021? A: We will continue to work with local government and public health officials to operate the event under local and state safety guidelines. We will implement additional safety measures in compliance with the latest guidelines in August 2021 and will communicate a detailed plan to participating athletes prior to the race. |
RACE REGISTRATION |
How can I register for this triathlon? A: This race does not have an open entry process, however there are several ways to gain access: 2. Qualify by placing first in your age group in the previous year's Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon 4. Enter as a Professional Triathlete 5. On behalf of a Partner Charity 6. Receive a Sponsor Guest Slot A: Yes, you must be at least 18 years of age What are the entry fees? Open Relay Teams: $425 per team member What forms of payment do you accept?A: We accept VISA, MasterCard, AMEX, and Discover Card. What is your refund and deferral policy? Transfers: There are no transfers (giving up your spot to another person), except for relay team members - see note below*. When and how can I enter the Random Drawing? A: 2021 random drawing details to be announced. Is there a fee to enter the random drawing? How many times may I enter the drawing? Do I need a specific qualifying time or specific triathlon experience to be selected in the drawing? If I am selected in the random drawing and my friend is not, can I give him/her my winning spot? If I am selected in the drawing, may I defer to the following year? How will I know if I am selected in the random drawing? How do I accept my winning slot and confirm my entry? How can I enter as a Professional Triathlete? How can I race on behalf of a Charity? A: 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. How can I receive a sponsor guest slot? I was signed up for the Corporate/Collegiate Escape, when will we be able to register for 2021? A: You will have a priority registration window to confirm your team slot for the 2021 race. More details to be announced. |
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TRAVEL |
What airport should I fly in to for the event? What is the best way to ship my bicycle to San Francisco? What hotels are close enough to bike to the event? Where can I park on race day? |
PRE-RACE |
How do I confirm that I am registered for the race? What is the event schedule? What am I required to attend as a participant? When do I pick up my packet? What items will I need during packet pick-up? When do I get body marked? When do I rack my bike? You will still be able to rack your bike on Sunday morning too. When do I receive my timing chip? Why the two race bags? What should I place in my two transition bags? May a friend or family member pick up my race packet for me? Are there additional opportunities to learn about the race besides the athlete meeting? |
SWIM |
Where is the swim start and how do I get there? What attire is allowed or not allowed on the swim? What is the water temperature in the Bay? Are there sharks in the Bay? What happens if I need help during the swim? What is the cut-off time for the swim and what happens if I don't make it in the time allotted? How far is the swim exit from the main transition? Is there a practice swim I can join before the race? A. Our friends at Water World Swim offer test swims and clinics. More info here: https://waterworldswim.com/events/alcatraz-test-swim-for-escape-tri-2019/ |
BIKE |
Can my friends and family wait for me by my bike in transition? Can my friends and family decorate my bike position area in transition? Are stationary bicycle trainers allowed in transition? What type of bicycle is best for this race? What is the elevation of the bike course? A: Sports Basement is located in the Presidio approximately a mile from the transition area, finish line, and race expo 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 in transition or on course. |
RUN & FINISH |
What types of surfaces will I encounter on the run? Is the run course a closed course? What is the Sand Ladder and where is it located? Where is the finish line? Can my friends and family cross the finish line with me? Will I receive anything when I finish? |
NUTRITION & AID STATIONS |
Where are the aid stations located throughout the course? What is available at the aid stations? Are gels allowed on the course? A: No. What meal is available at the finish? |
RELAY TEAMS |
What does it mean to compete on a relay team? Do relay teams need to enter the random drawing? What is the difference between an Open Relay Team and a Corporate ESCAPE Team? A: An Open Relay Team is made up of two or three participants who are friends, family, colleagues, neighbors, teammates, strangers or any other combination. Open relay teams participate on behalf of their individual teams and are divided in the competition categories of All Male, All Female, and Mixed. The top 3 finishing teams in each competition category will be recognized during the awards.A Corporate ESCAPE Team is made up of three participants from the same company, corporation, or organization who compete alongside other teams from their same company, all on behalf of their company or organization. Each company or organization must register at least TWO teams in order to compete. The company or organization with the best combined finish time of their top two teams will win the coveted Keys to the Rock Corporate ESCAPE Cup, a perpetual trophy awarded and defended each year. The Corporate ESCAPE relay is limited to about 50 relay teams. Honorary mention is also given to the top finishing all male, all female, and mixed Corporate ESCAPE Team. MORE Which relay team member is responsible for the warm-up transition run from the swim exit to the main transition area?A: The swimmer. When and where do the relay teammates switch off for the next leg? A: 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. When do the cyclist and runner need to be in place in the transition area? Are stationary bicycle trainers allowed in transition? |
FRIENDS & FAMILY |
How can I volunteer for the event? A: Marina Green is a great place to watch the swim start and swim. Marina Green Beach just west of St. Francis Yacht Club is a great place to watch the swim and swim exit. Marina Green is the best place to watch transition. Marina Blvd is a great place to watch a portion of the bike and run portion of the race. There will be grandstands along both sides of the finish chute to watch participants finish the race. Is there anything for my friends and family to do during the race? How can I view or track race results? |
AFTER THE RACE |
When is the awards ceremony? Who receives awards? Where can I find race photos? |
MISCELLANEOUS |
Will you have a virtual race? A: Our team is evaluating ways to provide additional participation opportunities leading up to the 2021 event. Stay tuned for special programming announcements! I purchased a FinisherPix photo package for 2020, that will carry over, right? FinisherPix is working with athletes on transferring their packages to a future event. Please reach out to FinisherPix at support@finisherpix.com |