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2013 Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon | March 3, 2013 | San Francisco, CA
April 4, 2013
Greetings!

We want to thank you for another great Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon. This race and its success is due in large part to your participation, competition, energy, enthusiasm, and support.  We hope you had as much fun as we did and we hope to see you again in 2014.

In this final newsletter for 2013, we wrap up the event and provide key information for 2014.

A Tribute to Ross Ehlinger, Bib #1566

The entire Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon race team and the entire triathlete community send their thoughts and prayers to the family and friends of 33rd Annual Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon participant Ross Ehlinger, who passed away during the event this year. Ross was a passionate advocate for youth sports and an avid triathlete who prided himself on staying fit. Ross's close friend and fellow triathlete, Lance Thompson, will participate in the 2014 Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon wearing Ross's Bib #1566, to honor his dear friend. After the race, Ross Ehlinger's Bib #1566 will be retired forever, to commemorate Ross Ehlinger and celebrate his life.

Race Recap

The 33rd Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon was more than just a sporting event. It was lasting memories, a source of pride and accomplishment, as well as, bragging rights for life. It's a bucket list race for some and an annual rite of passage for others. Whether you were one of the lucky lottery winners, an Escape TO Alcatraz qualifier, an Escape Academy graduate, or raised money for one of the many distinguished charities; it didn't matter...you are now a part of this historic event.

 

The pro race was stacked. Anytime you can have a field that includes both the men's and women's reigning Ironman World Champs, Pete Jacobs and Leanda Cave, mixed with Olympic athletes fresh off their appearance in London, you know you are in for an exciting race. Olympic silver medalist, Javier Gomez, brought home first place in his first Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon. Heather Jackson took first place for the women by holding off a surging Sarah Groff.

 

In addition to the pro field, we had some other amazing athletes competing this year. Team Transplant Relay #1 took home first place again. How about Team Titan from New York? Well represented in the competition by brothers Steve and Boomer Titan, in addition to the numerous volunteers they bring each year. Last but not least, let's not forget the Para Athletes who were lead by "One Arm" Willie Stewart of Boise, ID. I could go on forever as I know that each of you has an inspiring story to tell and created memories that will last a lifetime.

 

With this being said, I would like to recognize Mr. Ross Ehlinger of Austin, Texas. Ross had participated in this race seven years ago with his best friend. The two friends returned to San Francisco to compete again this year. Unfortunately, Ross passed away while competing in the event. I ask that you please keep Ross and his family in your thoughts and prayers.

 

Preparing for and participating in my 25th Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon, in a row, was exciting and once again an all-powerful accomplishment. Having my father and brother in town from the East Coast to cheer me on with my wife and son was amazing. I was even awarded a sponsorship deal with Kestrel Bicycles as it was my 20th year riding a Kestrel.  

 

However, the highlight of my race day was meeting some of you as we utilized the same asphalt or run path along the course. Some of you mentioned that the information I was able to relay, whether through video or at the pre-race lectures at Sports Basement, had helped you through a portion of the race. That to me is the best gift I could have received. True confirmation that I had helped make a positive impact in an athlete's race. I am so honored to be the coach of this great event and I am honored to share my experiences with you all.

 

Thank you, thank you, thank you and we can't wait to see you again in 2014!

 

All the best,

Eric Gilsenan

 

Results and Photos

Results are available on our website: RESULTS

Photos are available from MarathonFoto: PHOTOS

Special Thanks

Volunteers!

Thank you to the 600+ volunteers who came out to make this event possible. We truly could not do it without you!

 

City and Parks of San Francisco

Thank you to the City and Parks of San Francisco for allowing us to hold this race year after year and for supporting us in so many ways!

 

Sponsors

Thank you to all of our sponsors including CytoSport, Babson College, Sierra Nevada, Hornblower, Inside Triathlon, SF Examiner, SF Weekly, TriBike Transport, MarathonFoto Photography, and Sports Basement for making this year our best year ever!

 

Friends and Family

Thank you to all the friends and families of our participants who support them as they trained for and completed an ESCAPE from Alcatraz!

 

Event Merchandise
Didn't have the chance to purchase an Escape From Alcatraz Triathlon souvenir? It's not too late! CLICK HERE
2014 Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon
THE DATE
We will be moving back to June in 2014 - yay!  We are finalizing the date now but expect it in early June 2014.

THE LOTTERY
Registration for the lottery will open on September 1, 2013 and will be available on our website.

ESCAPE TO ALCATRAZ TRIATHLON SERIES
The Escape TO Alcatraz Triathlon Series is made up of event in the US and internationally where you can qualify to compete in the Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon by finishing in the top of your age group. These events currently include:
  • Westchester Triathlon in New York (September 2013)
  • Triathlon de Gerardmer in France (September 2013)
  • Beijing International Triathlon (September 2013)
  • Escape to Rio Triathlon (April 2014)

LOTTERY ALTERNATIVES

In addition to qualifying Escape TO Alcatraz Triathlon Series, there are some lottery alternatives that include charity entries, sponsorship entries, completing an Escape Academy and more. These will be detailed on our website as the 2014 race approaches.

 

MEDICAL DEFERRALS

If you received a medical deferral from 2013 for the 2014 race, you will receive an email with registration instructions in the fall.

 

2013 AGE GROUP WINNERS

If you placed 1st in your age group in 2013, you automatically qualify for the 2014 race. We will email you with registration instructions in the fall.

 

IMGFor the past 19 years, IMG Worldwide has proudly owned, produced, and managed the Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon. This event is a marquee event within IMG's established portfolio of global endurance events, which includes the London Triathlon, Triathlon Alpe d'Huez, the Barcelona Triathlon, the Beijing International Triathlon, and more.
For the fourth year, IMG welcomes Bill Burke and his race team as the official Race Director of the Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon.
IMG Worldwide | 12400 Wilshire Blvd | Los Angeles, CA 90025