Alameda Man to Tackle Alcatraz Triathlon

After a mile-and-a half swim in ice-cold water, there's nothing like biking 18 miles and running another eight — at least, not if you're one of the 2,000 athletes planning an escape from Alcatraz.

The 32nd annual Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon takes place Sunday, June 10, and Alameda's own Chatham Ross will confront the gruelling race for the third time.

Ross, 53, has years of experence behind him. The biotechnician has been running since the age of 17, swimming since 35 and triathlon racing since 37. He trains every day around Alameda and Emeryville and considers the Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon to be "absolutely iconic." 

The event starts with a 7:30 a.m. wake-up call as athetes jump from the ferry and swim the 1.5 miles from Alcatraz Island to the San Francisco shore. A quick dry-off is followed by a half-mile warm-up run, and then it's on to the bikes for an 18-mile race, intensified by plenty of hills. Hungry athletes get served desert by way of an 8-mile through the trails of Golden Gate Recreation Area.

The new Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon mobile app enables users to track the progress of any participating athlete through the course. Follow Ross using his bib number, 1971. 

For more information about the race, visit the Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon website.

Are you competing in Escape from Alcatraz? Supporting someone who is? Let us know in the comments.