Tuesday, November 24, 2009

30th Anniversary Escape From Alcatraz Triathlon Set to Take Place on Sunday, May 2, 2010 Random Lottery To Open December 1, 2009

SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 24 /PRNewswire/ -- The Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon will celebrate its 30th year as one of the premier triathlons in the world on Sunday, May 2, 2010. For 30 years, this legendary race has attracted professional and amateur athletes from around the world with its challenging course including the infamous swim from Alcatraz Island to the shore, the hilly bike ride and grueling run through San Francisco. The world's leading sports, entertainment and media company IMG Worldwide once again promises a stellar race ideal for athletes and spectators alike.

"The Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon is my favorite race," said Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon Three-Time Winner and Professional Triathlete Andy Potts. "IMG puts on a first class race that attracts top athletes from around the world and takes place on a truly unique course only made possible in a great city like San Francisco. I look forward to participating in the 30th Annual Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon and being a part of its ongoing history."

Similar to the world-renowned Kona Ironman race, the Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon is one of the hardest triathlons to get into and one of only a few triathlons to be nationally televised. Interested participants can qualify to participate by placing in one of the Escape TO Alcatraz Triathlon Series races: Triathlon de Gerardmer France, September 5, 2009; The Triathlon at Pacific Grove, September 11-13, 2009; Jarden Westchester Triathlon, September 29, 2009; San Diego Triathlon, March 20-21, 2010; and GateWay to the Bay, April 10-11, 2010, or by entering the random lottery beginning on December 1, 2009. Due to the race's extreme popularity, the lottery fills up quickly, with thousands of hopeful participants attempting to secure one of the few coveted spots. Additionally, top men and women from the previous Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon automatically qualify for the race.

"From the London Triathlon - the world's largest, to the brand new Abu Dhabi International Triathlon, The Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon is one of nearly a dozen renowned triathlons owned and produced by IMG," said IMG's Senior Vice President James Leitz. "IMG is dedicated to the sport of Triathlon and developing world class experiences for athletes around the world."

Featuring a 1.5 mile swim from Alcatraz Island to the shore, an 18-mile bike and an 8-mile run through San Francisco, this race is considered one of the most difficult triathlons in the world. More than 2,000 amateur and professional athletes from dozens of countries will attempt to conquer the icy cold swim from Alcatraz Island to the shore, the hilly bike ride and grueling run through San Francisco for the 30th Annual Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon.

The 30th Anniversary Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon will take place on Sunday, May 2, 2010, at 8 a.m., in San Francisco. The public is invited to watch the race and attend the free two-day Fitness Festival & Expo Saturday and Sunday. (Please note, the date has changed from May 30, to May 2, 2010, due to a Doyle Drive construction project and Memorial Day Weekend traffic congestion.) The Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon is owned and produced by IMG Worldwide with race direction provided, in part, by Premier Event Management. For more information visit www.escapefromalcatraztriathlon.com.

About IMG Worldwide

Operating in 30 countries, IMG Worldwide's diverse businesses include: product and brand licensing; consulting services; event ownership and management; collegiate marketing, media and licensing; fashion events and models representation; golf course design; and client representation in golf, tennis, broadcasting, speakers, European football, rugby, cricket, motor sports, coaching, Olympic and action sports. IMG Academies are the world's largest, multi-sport training and educational facilities, delivering world-class training experiences to more than 12,000 junior, collegiate, adult, and professional athletes each year. More information is available at: www.imgworld.com.

SOURCE IMG Worldwide

© 2009 PR Newswire. All Rights Reserved

Monday, November 9, 2009

In 2010 three ways for triathletes to escape from Alcatraz

In 2010 triathlete will have not 1, not 2, but 3 ways to escape from Alcatraz during the summer.

Because of a reshuffling of the the Original Escape from Alcatraz race organizer and the race director an entire new race has just been announced---the inaugural Alcatraz Triathlon is to be held on August 29. 2010 and put on by Tri-California. The new Alcatraz Triathlon will take place on....and you guessed it...a very similar course. The official Press Release is below.

But to make matters even more interesting, if you don't like the new race you can also escape from the Rock on Sunday, June 20, 2010 as part of Envirosports Alcatraz XXX Triathlon- The 30th annual ESCAPE FROM THE ROCK. The race is open to 700 athletes.

Recent Tri-California Press:
Tri-California Events proudly announces the launch of the ALCATRAZ TRIATHLON in San Francisco, California. On Sunday, August 29, 2010, 1800 swimmers, bikers and runners will christen the inaugural Tri-California ALCATRAZ Triathlon. Terry Davis, president of Tri-California Events, has 30 years experience race directing triathlons including Escape from Alcatraz for the last 12 years. He has decided it is time to launch a Tri-California Alcatraz Triathlon for the athletes. "We want to provide our triathletes the full Tri-California Events experience, from online registration, to an incredible and safe course, to the latest technology in timing, to a memorable finish experience for all," states Terry. "Our number one priority is the triathletes; we have a passion for what we do and our industry. After producing some of the largest triathlons in the world, we understand what it takes to provide a level of service that surpasses the expectations of the athletes and spectators and will create memories that will last a lifetime." Tri-California will provide more support for our charitable groups, such as the Challenged Athletes Foundation, the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's Team-N-Training, FCA Endurance, and many local youth and service groups.

The new ALCATRAZ Triathlon will become part of the Tri-California Race Series which includes: The AVIA Wildflower Triathlons on April 30-May 2, The San Francisco Triathlon at Treasure Island on July 9-11, The Triathlon at Pacific Grove Sept 10-12, and Scott Tinley's Triathlon in San Luis Obispo County on October 1-3rd.
Registration for the event is on a first come basis and is expected to sell out quickly. Registration opens November 27th at www.tricalifornia.com . Entry fees $320 for individuals and $160 for relay members until January 1.
Follow on twitter @everymantri

Source: www.examiner.com

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

No Shark Bites!!

It's over and I did it!! Race was awesome. Weather was absolutely perfect. I think my official time was 3:40. My friends who did the race too, did a great job! I'll write more specs later, but had to just post that I made it through w/out any shark bites. Thank you for everyone's support and especially to those who donated to the Blazeman Foundation for the fight against ALS. I raised almost $2,500 and I ran this race in honor of Jon Blais.

Cheers.

Friday, June 12, 2009

Andy Potts and Leanda Cave share their Escape From Alcatraz race tips

Andy Potts and Leanda Cave will attempt a three-peat championship at this Sunday's Escape From Alcatraz triathlon. Here are their race tips:

Leanda Cave

"Try not to listen too much to what other people say. My first one I won and everybody was telling me about hard this is and how hard that was. Going in there as a newbie I would say switch off what everyone else has told you and just try to absorb the experience."

Andy Potts

On the swim and transition run:

"Don't spend too much time sightseeing when you are out in the bay. You may think you are going to see some really cool sights of the city, but when you are so low in the water, the only thing you are really going to see is water or feet. Just concentrate on staying warm and moving forward. Definitely go to your legs with a couple of minutes left in the swim. You're going to want some extra blood flow going to the legs because it's a half mile transition run and you're cold. Switching into shoes is your call. I do not use shoes, then again I am also trying to win the race. If you want to be able to walk after the race, you might want to bring an extra pair of shoes."

On the bike:

"If you go out and hit the first hill too hard, you've got more hills around the corner. So pacing on the hills is going to be crucial."

On the run:

"Use shorter, quicker steps on the way out when you're going up and behind the Golden Gate and underneath the Golden Gate Bridge. Once you get to the sand ladder, use the sand ladder as your half-way point knowing that yes it is downhill once you get to the top of the sand ladder but you still have 3 1/2 miles to go."

On the sand ladder:

"Use the rope for sure. Pull and walk. I definitely don't run it. A good thing to concentrate on is the pull motion because your legs are going to be exhausted. It's a good respite on the legs but it's not really a respite because everything's burning by that point."

Good luck to all Alcatraz racers. Stay tuned for a race report...

Source: Mark Davis - San Francisco Examiner.

The Most Amazing Race Crew!

I'm going to have the most amazing race crew. Thanks Dad, Sis, Uncle Gene, Aunt Gloria, Kristen, Jon, Ashley, John, Lauren, Annie, John Carl for making the trek and most likely dealing w/ a hyped up Perry on Friday and Saturday. :) Safe travels and I'll see in San Francisco.

Monday, June 8, 2009

5 days, 8 hours, 15 minutes

The count down is on and my apologies for being so bad with providing updates on my training. Training has been awesome! I think I burnt my lungs in Phoenix a couple weekends back when I was there for my nieces graduation, but aside from that...everything feels great. Swimming's been going great. I've had two swims in the lake and the tempature didn't phase me in the least bit. Runs have gone well....knee hasn't been giving me any issues. I've been making myself get on the bike (least favorite of the three), so all in all, I think I'm ready for Sunday.

And the fundraising for the Blazeman Foundation for ALS has been going great. Thanks so much to everyone who's donated, for your support and generosity! We've almost raised $2,000 and my goal is $3,000, so we're 2/3 of the way there. To donate, please click here. Last night they had the 2005 Ironman Championship again, so I got to see the clips of Jon Blais again and no matter how many times I watch it, I'm always inspired! I'm getting ready for the roll across the finish line!!

Two Time Winners Andy Potts and Leanda Cave Go for Third Win in a Row at 29th Annual Escape from Alcatraz(TM) Triathlon on Sunday, June 14 | SYS-CON CANADA

Two Time Winners Andy Potts and Leanda Cave Go for Third Win in a Row at 29th Annual Escape from Alcatraz(TM) Triathlon on Sunday, June 14 | SYS-CON CANADA

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