Frequently Asked Questions

• All athletes must pick up their packet on Saturday, May 31, from 11:00 AM - 3:30 PM
• Attend 1 of 2 Athlete Meetings on Saturday, May 31
  • Athlete Meeting #1: 12:30 PM
  • Athlete Meeting #2: 3:30 PM
• Rack your bike in the Transition Area on Saturday, May 31, from 1:00 PM - 3:30 PM
• On Sunday morning, athletes can finish racking their bike (if they did not do this on Saturday) and set up their Transition Area.
  • Transition Area on Sunday will be open from 4:00 AM - 5:15 AM.

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

• 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 Vaket 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 1:00 PM - 3:30 PM

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. 

• You will receive (2) Transition Bags Packet Pick-Up:
  • RED TRANSITION BAG (Swim Finish): to be used at the Swim Finish at the Little Marina Green.
    • This may include a small water bottle, a towel, and a secondary pair of running shoes for the 1/2 mile run from Swim Exit (Little Marina Green) to Transition Area (Marina Green).
    • Your Red Transition Bag must have your bib number written on it and will need to be dropped off at Bag Corral on Saturday, May 31st by 3:30 PM.
  • WHITE TRANSITION BAG (SWIM START/Pier 3): This bag is to be used for any items you plan to wear to the Swim Start at Pier 3 prior to boarding the SF Belle/Start Boat.
    • This includes a light sweatshirt, pants, flip flops, glasses, an inhaler, etc.
    • Your White Transition Bag will need to have your bib number written on it, tied tightly, and dropped off prior to boarding the SF Belle/Start Boat.
    • Keep items to a minimum.
    • DO NOT place valuables such as electronics, heart monitors, jewelry, or wallets etc. in the White Transition Bag.

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. 

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

We recommend the Palace of Fine Arts parking lot for athlete parking. For details, visit: https://www.palaceoffinearts.org/contact 

• Yes! Our friends at San Francisco Swim offer regular Bay swim clinics. For more info, visit: https://sanfranciscoswim.com (More information below.)
• Clinics:
  • Thursday, May 29th from 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM
  • Friday, May 30th from 5:15 AM - 8:00 AM
  • Friday, May 30th from 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM

If you have purchased a VIP package, you will receive an email on May 14th with further instructions for race weekend-including priority check-in details at Packet Pick-Up, VIP guest check-in information, and an overview of what's included in your experience.

A limited number of VIP packages are still available for purchase. 

• Bib numbers will be live on our website by May 9th.
• 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, 2025, per USA Triathlon guidelines. 

For additional questions, please email us at info@escapealcatraztri.com. We typically respond within 1-3 business days (Monday-Friday), depending on the volume of inquiries. 

During race weekend, our team is actively working on-site and there may be a delay in receiving a response. If you have a question, the quickest way to get an answer is to visit the Info Booth next to the Official Merchandise Store at Marina Green. 

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.

SFO – San Francisco International Airport www.flysfo.com

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

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

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.

The race takes place Sunday morning with the swim beginning at 7:00am. Packet pick-up takes place on Saturday. The Fitness Festival and Expo take place Saturday and Sunday. For more information, CLICK HERE.

Every participant including individual members of relay teams MUST sign in and pick up their own packet on Saturday. Every participant must also attend at least one athlete meeting on Saturday.

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

Saturday during packet pick-up.

You'll have the opportunity to rack your bike on Saturday, but it's not mandatory. While you are able to rack your bike early, you will NOT set up your transition area early (on Saturday).

You will still be able to rack your bike on Sunday morning too.

You will receive it in your packet on Saturday.

You will receive two race bags during packet pick-up. One bag is for the items you will take with you to Pier 3 but not on the swim. This bag will be collected by race staff Sunday morning at Pier 3 and will be available in the bag corral following the race. The second bag is for any items you would like to have available at the swim exit prior to the short warm-up run to the main transition area. This bag will be collected by race staff ON SATURDAY and available in the bag corral following the race. Make sure each bag is clearly marked with your bib number.

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

On Sunday morning, after setting up your transition area you will get on a shuttle bus to Pier 3. The LAST shuttle bus from Marina Green to Pier 3 departs at 5:15 AM. DO NOT WAIT FOR THIS LAST SHUTTLE. If capacity is reached on the last shuttle, you will be responsible for having to find your own ride to Pier 3 and will not have any time to relax before having to board the Start Boat. 

You will be ordered according to age group and boarded onto a large passenger ferry, The San Francisco Belle. The boat will stop near Alcatraz Island approx. 1.5 miles from the swim exit. All participants will jump from the ferry to start the race. 

Wetsuits are required, goggles, neoprene caps, neoprene socks, and gloves ARE allowed. You will be provided with a colored swim cap that you must wear to denote your age group.

Approx. 55 F

Yes, there is marine life in San Francisco Bay including sharks, seals, and sea lions. The sharks that live in the Bay are small and hang out at the bottom of the Bay. These sharks have no interest in triathletes. The larger sharks live outside the Bay where the water is nice and salty. These larger sharks do not like nor can they survive in the brackish waters of San Francisco Bay. Seals and Sea Lions may be curious about triathletes but pose no danger.

There will be many boats, kayaks, lifeguards, and water safety teams out on the water during the swim. They are available if you need to grab onto a boat or kayak for a minute to rest or re-orient yourself. This action will not incur a penalty. They are there for rescue as well if you determine you cannot finish the swim and wish to drop out of the race.

The cut-off time for the swim is 1.5 hours (90 minutes). Athletes will be repositioned accordingly to ensure that they will be out of the water by 8:30 AM.

It is about a half-mile from swim exit to transition. You will have the option of taking off your wetsuit and putting on shoes prior to this short transition run but neither is required.

Final bike cut off details will be reviewed with Athletes at the Athlete Briefing on Saturday.

No, only participants are allowed in transition.

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

No.

For this race, there is no advantage to having a triathlon/time-trial bicycle. Aero bars are not necessary as you will have little opportunity to use them throughout the curving, technical, hilly bike course. A traditional road bike configuration is best.

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 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.

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 series of steps that will take you from the beach below to the road above. It is made up of wooden slats under sand. Try to place your foot on the wooden slats as much as possible as you take your steps. There is also a wire hand rail that you may use to help pull yourself up to the top. The Sand Ladder is located near mile 5 of the run course. WALK, do not run up the Sand Ladder, otherwise you will burn yourself out before the finish. Even the Pro's walk or lightly jog up the Sand Ladder.

The finish line is located at Marina Green next to transition and the race expo. Grandstands line the finish chute so family and friends may cheer on participants as they finish.

No, only participants may cross the finish line.

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

Transition, Swim Exit, and at each mile along the run course.

Water and isotonic. Water will be available at the race start and finish.

No.

Each participant will enjoy a catered meal consisting of fruit, carbohydrates (breads & pastas), protein, salad, and dessert.

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.

No, open relay teams and corporate escape teams may enter on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration for these slots will be open in November. Details to be announced.

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.

No.

We need and accept many volunteers for this race. Please email us at info@escapealcatraztri.com.

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.

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

Results will be posted online and updated in real time throughout the race. There will be a Digital Results Zone within the Fitness Festival and Expo located at Marina Green. Friends, family, and triathletes will be able to access computer terminals to view individual and overall results. Results will be available HERE

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

Top professional finishers and the top three finishers in each age group or competitor division.

Race photos will be available for viewing and purchase via FinisherPix HERE

Your previous purchases, such as the VIP Packages, FinisherPix photo package, and USA Triathlon 1-day membership will be rollered over to your 2024 race experience or the year you selected to race. You will be able to view the previous purchases a few days after completing the race registration, by logging in to your participant account. (Please note: The previous purchases will NOT be available to view immediately after your registration.)

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 new body, co-owned by the professional athletes, seeking to elevate and grow the sport of triathlon and take it to the next level. The T100 Triathlon World Tour is the new name for the PTO Tour and will feature a season-long schedule of eight T100 races during 2024 that will be raced over 100km (2km swim, 80km bike and 18km run) and feature the world’s best triathletes going head-to-head on a consistent basis in iconic locations around the world. The broadcast will follow the 2023 PTO Tour approach which showed races live around the world in 195+ territories, courtesy of the PTO’s partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery as well as a range of other international, regional and local broadcasters.

Saturday May 31st, 2025.

Fans can watch the San Francisco T100 in person at the Escape From Alcatraz Triathlon Fitness Festival located at Marina Green

No. The PTO T100 race and Escape From Alcatraz Triathlon are separate races taking part on different days. Sunday’s race will be dedicated to the age group athletes.

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

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.