Race Report: Escape from Alcatraz

Hey Gang,

I thought you might want to know that on Sunday, June 8, 2008, over 1500 athletes competed in Accenture’s Escape From Alcatraz triathlon. Congratulations to everyone who competed! This was my third time doing the race, and each time the course offers different challenges, especially on the swim, which changes depending on the ebb of the bay, the amount of snowfall in the Sierra’s the previous winter, etc. In fact, the race boasts one of the most technical swims in all of triathlon (1.5 miles from the island to the Marina Green). The short but hilly 18 mile bike ride is then followed by a technical, 8 mile trail run including the infamous sand ladder. Over 20 LA Tri Clubbers competed in the race which was won by Andy Potts on the men’s side and Leanda Cave on the women’s side. Fastest of LA bunch was professional triathlete and Alcatraz newbie (and my coach) Andrew Lockton, who smoked the course in 2:19:34.

Congratulations to LA Tri Club Podium finishers: Esme Levy, in the 16 and under division, finished the race in 2:54:49 to win her age group. Lou Briones took 3^rd place in the 60-64 age group with a time of 2:47:48!

Alcatraz was Brian Mountain’s first full triathlon (Congratulations!! Can you imagine?!?); he finished in 3:33:59. Other clubbers racing include:

Amy Aukstikalnis 2:53:04

Jaime Balboa 2:49:12

Eric Block 2:57:20

Lou Briones 2:47:48

Lori Christensen 3:28:27

Jon Garfield 3:27:52

Victor Garibay 2:39:52

Fred Gilbert 2:41:52

Robert Hockley 2:36:24

Shirley Huang 3:47:59

Lisa Inouye 3:09:42

Mary Kane 3:56:51

Susan Keating 3:33:13

Joel Kim 3:03:55

Dave Kwan 2:56:34

Brian Lasky 2:54:50

Cheryl Rose 3:03:51

John Uribe 3:39:04

Again, congratulations to everyone who competed (and sorry if I missed anyone!!). To anyone considering Alcatraz as a race for next year, I highly recommend it. There’s no race more fun, more picturesque, or more challenging (mile for mile)!