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ALCATRAZ. . .

ONLY ONE ESCAPE STARTS

THIS CLOSE TO THE ROCK!

 
 

Official Triathlon Entrant Newsletter

Dear ALCATRAZ XXVII TRIATHLON entrant,

 

Congratulations on your entry in the 27th annual ALCATRI XXVII - ESCAPE FROM THE ROCK TRIATHLON, scheduled for Sunday, June 24th, 2007. You will attempt the challenge which only one Alcatraz prisoner – John Paul Scott – successfully completed. Of course, Scott was in no shape after his swim to jump on the bike. He was discovered the morning after his escape on the rocks near Fort Point. He was taken to an Army hospital in the Presidio, where he was treated for shock and hypothermia before ultimately being returned to the island prison. Both the Anglin Brothers and Frank Lee Morris made it off the island, but were never seen again. Their fate remains unknown. Be prepared for the experience of a lifetime!

 

This is the official “ENTRANT NEWSLETTER.” Nothing will be sent via regular mail. All TRIATHLETES will pick up Race Packets, which include your timing chip, race numbers, t-shirt and swim cap at MANDATORY SATURDAY PACKET PICK-UP (details to follow).

 

Please read the following information carefully and PRINT IT OUT to review again before raceday.

 

IMPORTANT VENUE CHANGE

Historically, this event has used Bldg. 924 in the SF Presidio for both Saturday Check-In and as the raceday transition area. Athletes who have done this event with us in the past and are familiar with that venue must note: FOR 2007, THE VENUE HAS BEEN CHANGED TO BLDG. 649 (still at the west end of Crissy Field within the SF Presidio; a stone's throw from the old location). Please note the revised driving directions provided below under the "Getting There" section and on the Maps & Directions page on our web site.

  

Mandatory Saturday Race Packet Pick-up

June 23rd, Noon to 3 p.m.

Bldg. 649, San Francisco Presidio at Crissy Field

TRIATHLETES must bring the following items to the SATURDAY CHECK-IN:

  • Your bike and bike gear (helmet, shoes, filled water bottles, etc.); bikes will be secured overnight in Bldg. 649.

  • Your run clothing/gear (DO NOT bring your run shoes to this check-in). 

  • Photo ID!

 

Upon arrival at PACKET PICK-UP:

  • First, rack your bike anywhere in the transition area. Spaces on the racks are first come, first serve. Please be respectful of other athletes' set-ups.

  • Be sure to note where you've racked your bike. Racks will be labeled to help you remember.

  • After racking your bike, proceed to the check-in tables to receive your Race Packet.

Your RACE PACKET will contain the following items: 

  • Your AMB ankle-strap timing chip.

  • Bike helmet number, which must be placed on the front of your helmet.

  • Bike frame number, which must be attached to the top tube your bike.

  • Run bib number. Please note: This bib number must be visible from the time you start the first 2.5-mile run (from Aquatic Park to Crissy Field) until you reach the finish line! This bib number is also your ticket to pick up your wetsuit and regain entry into the transition area to recover your bike and gear after the event.

  • Plastic gear-transport bags (with ID labels) for the swim finish (to store your wetsuit and swim gear) and the ferry (to store your flip-flops and warm-ups).

  • Official race swim cap and T-shirt (The real reason you’re doing this, right?)

 ALSO AT THIS CHECK-IN:

  • You will get both hands marked with your race number.

  • You should notify us of any medical condition(s) at this check-in.

Attention Relay Teams!

  • One team member may check in Saturday on behalf of your entire team. Your raceday logistics will be significantly easier if this representative is the biker and he/she brings his/her bike to place inside the transition area.

  • Any team mates who do not attend the Saturday Check-In will have to report to Aquatic Park raceday morning (between 6:15 and 7:15 a.m.) to have their photo IDs checked and hands marked. Athletes who fail to check in WILL NOT be allowed inside the transition area at Bldg. 649.

 

 

Bldg. 649 in the Presidio

Event Transition Area and

Site of Saturday Packet Pick-Up

 

Race Morning Details

SWIM TRANSITION SET-UP at Aquatic Park will be open from 6:15 to 7:15 a.m.

  • During SWIM TRANSITION SET-UP, athletes will arrive at Aquatic Park and set up their swim-finish transition area in the grandstands. (Your area will be determined by your race number).

  • You must have your swim-finish area set up and be ready to go by 7:30 a.m. sharp!

  • If your hand markings washed off, our staff will be available to remark them for you.

  • Extra plastic bags will be available to stash your clothing before boarding the ferry. (All bags left on the ferry and/or in the grandstands will be transported to the finish.) Mark every plastic bag you take with your race number!!

Bring these items to set up your SWIM TRANSITION:

  • Your running shoes and any other run gear you’ll need for the 2.5-mile paved run from the swim finish to the bike transition. Run shoes are required for this short run.

  • The plastic bag you were given during Saturday Packet Pick-Up to store your wetsuit and swim gear after the swim.

PRE-RACE DETAILS

  • There are no change rooms at Aquatic Park. We recommend wearing whatever you plan to race in under your warm-ups when you arrive.

  • Port-a-potties will be set up at the far east end of the beach, near the Dolphin Rowing Club. 

  • WETSUIT WEARERS: We recommend walking to the ferry wearing flip flops or "throw-away" shoes with your wetsuit and carrying your goggles, swim cap and/or swim hood with you. If you wear shoes and/or warm-ups, please bring a plastic bag labeled with your race number (provided at Saturday Check-In) with you on the ferry. You will stash your extra items in this bag while on the ferry. Our volunteers will bring these bags back to the finish area.

  • SKIN SWIMMERS: Grab and label a plastic bag (as described above) to stash your warm-ups and shoes before jumping off the ferry.

  • Pre-Race Briefing will be held at 7:30 a.m. in front of the grandstands at Aquatic Park.

  • We will parade as a group to the ferry at 7:40 a.m.

  • Athletes will board the ferry from 7:55 to 8:10 a.m.

  • Ferry will depart Pier 41 at 8:15 a.m.

  • Anticipated Race Start is 8:45 a.m.

 

FERRY DETAILS

  • No spectators allowed on the ferry!

  • Please board the ferry quickly; we’re on a tight time frame. Those who are first to board should go immediately to the upper deck until it is full.

  • Ferries will leave the dock at 8:15 a.m. sharp!

  • Ferry disembarkation should go very quickly. You will line up and jump three at a time from doors on both sides of the boat. As soon as you hit the water, swim away quickly to make room for the next jumpers.

  • Don't hesitate in the doorway. If are not ready to jump, step aside. Keep in mind that the first person in the water is waiting for the last person to jump off, so the swim can get started!

  • Helpful hint: The jump from the ferry is only about six feet (we’ve heard some people exaggerate it to 30 feet – NOT TRUE!). Even so, it’s wise to hold onto your goggles when you jump in; there always seems to be one person who loses their goggles on the jump – don’t let it be you!

 

 

 

The Maritime Museum at Aquatic Park

Site of the Swim Transition

 

Blue & Gold Ferry at Alcatraz Island

 

The jump from the boat is only about 6 feet
ABOUT THE SWIM

SWIM DETAILS

  • Scheduled start time is 8:45 a.m.

  • There will be a single mass start, signaled by the SECOND blast of the ferry horn. (The first blast is a one-minute warning).

  • SWIM CUTOFF: 1 hr. 15 min.

  • Our volunteer kayakers will line up to mark a starting line in the water. Stay behind the kayakers (without crowding them) as you wait to hear the ferry horn, signifying the race start.

  • Water temps will be in the low 60s, but there are colder swells, which could affect you.

  • If you will be wearing a wetsuit (recommended) or wetsuit hood, be sure to practice in them and become familiar with how they feel.

  • NO booties or gloves! They fill with water and become “anchors” that slow you down. 

  • You will receive an official race swim cap, which you must wear during the swim. You may wear it over your wetsuit hood or another swim cap.

  • There are no showers at Aquatic Park, but there will be cold water hoses to rinse off.

  • Answers to FAQs and a SWIM COURSE MAP are available at our website.

 

WHAT TO EXPECT DURING THE SWIM

 

SUPPORT

Lead kayaks will direct the front swimmers along the correct course. Additional kayaks and boats will corral the remainder of the field.  A designated lead boat will have a large orange buoy aboard to assist you with sighting. There will be no buoys in the bay to guide you; rather, you will use the lead boat and escort boats as your guides. If you are swimming astray, you will be advised to change course. You must obey the instructions of all escort personnel. Non-compliance with this rule will result in automatic disqualification.

 

TIDES

This swim has been timed to take advantage of the currents, with the start timed to catch the tail end of the flood tide. As you begin your swim, the tides will be slack. As you progress towards Aquatic Park, a slight ebb tide kicks in (sweeping you right, or west, toward the Golden Gate Bridge). There is a stronger ebb channel along the entrance to Aquatic Park. Kayakers will direct swimmers about 200 yards east of the entrance to Aquatic Park to take advantage of the strong ebb current along the waterfront.  Don’t be fooled – Even if the water surface appears calm, the tides are always present. Swimmers who aim directly for the entrance will be swept toward the Golden Gate. There will be support boats and kayaks stationed west of the entrance to Aquatic Park to collect any swimmers who miss it.

 

PACE

Our objective is to have everyone successfully complete the swim from Alcatraz to San Francisco, but if your pace puts you too far behind to guarantee your safe completion, a boat will pick you up. You may be moved to a more favorable location, where the tide will work to your advantage and you may complete the swim; however, swim officials have the authority to make an objective assessment of your progress with respect to the current tide conditions and may decide to drop you off inside Aquatic Park. If an official tells you to get into a boat, it is expressly for your safety, and you must comply or you will be disqualified.

 

MILD PANIC

If you find that when you jump in the water or start to swim that your heart begins to beat rapidly and your breathing feels out of control, this is perfectly normal. It's just the adrenaline rush of raceday paired with the shock of the cold bay water. Use your own judgment on whether to continue, especially if you have any medical conditions, but most people find that if they continue to swim, they warm up, get their breathing back under control and are able to get back into a groove and finish the swim. You may backstroke, or swim with your head out of the water until you’re comfortable to swim again.

 

GETTING ASSISTANCE

If you feel that you cannot complete the swim or you need the assistance of a kayaker, stay put and put one arm straight up in the air. A kayaker will come to you and discuss your options. It is perfectly legal to grab the nose of a kayak and wait out a cramp, get your breathing under control, etc. Don't hesitate to take the measures you need to finish your swim. (Note: If you need to grab onto a kayak, grab onto the nose; NEVER grab a kayak from the side, as you may tip it over).

 

A smart athlete will know when it's not his or her day. You'll always be welcome to come back and try again. There's no shame in taking a rain check on this event.

 

WARNING SIGNS

If you start to get cold and can’t think straight, you are experiencing mild hypothermia and should make the choice to end your swim. Full hypothermia may result in death. Don’t be ashamed or hesitate to call it quits early. If you decide it’s just not your day, stay put and raise your hand. Yell to get the attention of an escort, and you will be picked up.

 

VERY IMPORTANT!

If you drop out and do not go through the finish chute, be sure to check-in with an official at the race finish to notify us that you are on the beach.  We don’t want to have to launch a search and rescue unless someone is truly missing in the water.

 

 

 

Our fleet of 50 kayakers will be there to guide and encourage your every stroke of the way

 

 

Kayakers will greet you as you make the initial jump

 

 

 

 

 

The swim starts right at Alcatraz!

 

 

 

 

 

The view as you approach San Francisco

 

 

 

 

 
BIKE & RUN COURSE DETAILS

BIKE COURSE DETAILS

The bike course consists of three hilly loops through the Presidio. Leave your disc wheels and aerobars at home – this is a cyclist’s dream course! Your cheering friends and family can watch as you ride up Crissy Field Hill three times! The course will be closed to traffic. It is your responsibility to ride safely to avoid car, bicycle or pedestrian collisions. Please note: After your final loop you must STOP at the stop sign and dismount your bike before reentering the building. You will walk your bike back to its position in the bike racks before heading out on the run course.  As you exit the transition area, you’ll pass an aid station to top off your tanks before heading out on the run.

 

RUN COURSE DETAILS

The run course is a combination trails, dirt fire roads and a sandy beach crossing, with the infamous SAND LADDER, thrown in to keep you honest!  The course will be marked with orange ribbons and monitors will be staged at crucial junctions. There will be three aid stations stocked with bananas, water, Gatorade and energy bars along the 10K course, with additional aid awaiting your arrival at the finish.

 

The run course is within Golden Gate National Recreation Area – one of our treasured national parks – please respect it as such. You will be sharing the trails with other park visitors, including hikers and pedestrians. Please be courteous - They have the right-of-way!

 

Please note: Aid stations will have trash bins for disposing cups. If you take a cup with you from an aid station, you must carry it with you to the next aid station. Trash – and especially energy gel packets – along the trails reflects poorly on us and will jeopardize next year’s permit and the future of this event.

 

OUR VOLUNTEERS

This event would not be possible without our dedicated team of volunteers. Show your appreciation and thank them often along your way. It’ll make you feel good, it’ll make them feel good, and who knows, someday you may be handing them a water cup to help them complete their race!

 

 

The Sand Ladder will test your mettle

on your return route to the finish!

 
POST RACE DETAILS

POST-RACE DETAILS

  • You will need your run bib number to retrieve your swim bag, your bike and transition gear.

  • You will be allowed to pick up your swim bag once all participants have started the run course.

  • You must pick up your bike by 1 p.m.

  • The awards ceremony will start approximately at Noon..

  • There are no showers at the finish area.

  • We ask for your cooperation in keeping the finish area clean. Please put trash in the trashcans. 

  • Most importantly, relax and enjoy Crissy Field. Invite your friends to join the festivities!

TIMING & AWARDS

Your ankle-strap timing chip will record all of your discipline and transition splits. An informal awards ceremony will be held at approximately Noon. Full results will be posted at www.envirosports.com. Customized age-group award plaques will be printed and mailed a few weeks after the event.

 

POST-RACE REFUEL

Our friends at the Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. will be rewarding athletes with their delicious post-race fare.

 

T-SHIRTS, SWEATSHIRTS & HATS

Athletes will pick up T-shirts at Saturday Packet Pick-Up. Additional T-shirts ($10),  Sweatshirts ($20) and ALCATRI ESCAPE FROM THE ROCK Hats ($20) will be on sale after the race.

 

 

Stick around for the post-race feast hosted by

Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.!

 
GETTING THERE

MANDATORY SATURDAY PACKET PICK-UP

Noon to 3 p.m. - Bldg. 649 - Crissy Field

Saturday Packet Pick-Up will be held in Bldg. 649, located at the west end of Crissy Field. Parking will be available in the vicinity of Bldg. 649. 

 

From Hwy. 101 in Marin County:
As you cross the Golden Gate Bridge, stay in the far right lane. Take the first exit onto Merchant immediately after passing through the tolls. At the stop sign, make a left on Lincoln Blvd. Make a left on McDowell. At the bottom of the hill turn right onto Mason. Bldg. 649 will be on your right.

 

From San Francisco:
Crissy Field is located west of the Marina District. Follow Marina Blvd. west along the waterfront. Pass through the Marina Gate (Marina Blvd. becomes Mason Street) and continue west until you reach Bldg. 649 (on your left).

 

From Hwy. 80 (East Bay):
Follow signs for Hwy. 101 North/Golden Gate Bridge. You will exit onto Van Ness Ave. Follow Van Ness Ave. several miles north until you reach Bay Street and turn left. Follow Bay Street to Laguna. Turn right on Laguna and follow the road as it curves past the Marina Safeway shopping center and turns into Marina Drive. Follow Marina Drive, approximately two miles to the Marina Gate entrance into the Presidio. Crissy Field will be on the right hand side of the road. You will park in the vicinity of Bldg. 649, which will be on your left at the far west end of Crissy Field.

 

From the South Bay:
Take Hwy. 280 N and stay on 19th Avenue through the city. 19th Ave. becomes Park Presidio as you approach the Golden Gate Bridge. Follow the signs toward the Golden Gate Bridge, but before reaching the toll plaza, turn right into the toll plaza parking lot. Drive through the lot and at the stop sign, turn right. At the next stop sign (you’ll be facing old military housing), turn left onto Lincoln Blvd. Make a left on McDowell. At the bottom of the hill turn right onto Mason Street. Bldg. 649 will be on your right.

 

RACEDAY PARKING

Aquatic Park is located at 890 Beach St. in San Francisco.

Click here to view a Yahoo! map of this address.

 

From Bldg. 649 at Crissy Field:

Follow Mason Street east. As you exit the Presidio, Mason Street becomes Marina Blvd. Continue east along Marina Blvd. Convenient, $8-all-day parking is available at Ft. Mason, located across the street from the Marina Safeway. Just walk along one of the footpaths through Ft. Mason and over the hill to Aquatic Park. (Click here for a map)

 

After the event, participants will walk along the waterfront bike/jog path approximately two miles back to the Ft. Mason parking area.

 

HOTELS

The deadlines have expired for group rates at the following hotels, but rooms still may be available at regular rack rates.

 

The Argonaut Hotel

Conveniently located at Maritime National Historical Park - Right at the swim start!
415-563-0800
1-866-415-0704

 

The Tuscan Inn

Located along Fisherman's Wharf about five blocks from the swim start.
1-800-648-4626

 

The Crowne Plaza – Union Square
Located downtown about a 10-minute drive from the Maritime Museum (swim start).
1-888-218-0808

 

San Francisco Convention & Visitors Bureau

415-391-2000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
SEE YOU THERE

We look forward to watching you make the ULTIMATE ESCAPE on June 24th!

 

Sincerely,

Wendy & Dave Horning

and Kellie Chittenden

THE ENVIRO-SPORTS TEAM   

Enviro-Sports Productions, Inc. | PO Box 1040, Stinson Beach, CA 94970 | 415.868.1829 | info@envirosports.com