Dave Wagstaff finished 282nd from nearly 1600 finishers in the infamous Escape From Alcatraz Triathlon in California at the weekend. The event was won overall by Javier Gomez, the Olympic Silver Medalist, with Pete Jacobs the World Ironman Champion in 4th place.
The Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon includes a 1.5 mile swim from Alcatraz Island in the San Francisco Bay. Athletes are Ferried out to the start of the swim. The race continues with an 18 mile bike ride out onto the Great Highway, through the Golden Gate Park, and concludes with an 8 mile run through the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. The finish is at The Marina Green.
The race usually takes place at the beginning of June. However, due to the America's Cup in SF in 2013, it had to be moved to March 3rd this year. The water temperature is around 55 degrees, and the organisers state that "This race is extremely challenging and we do not recommend it for first-time triathletes".
"The Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon begins with a 7:30 am plunge from the San Francisco Belle into the icy cold water adjacent to Alcatraz Island. Participants are unloaded from the boat in less than 6 minutes. It is quite a rush when you take the leap from the ferry for the 1.5 mile swim. Triathletes will face strong currents and 55 degree water temperatures."
"On the run athletes will encounter the deep sand of Baker Beach to the turn-around point and back, until they reach the dreaded Equinox Sand Ladder (400 steps up the cliff). This experience will drain the legs of even the best professionals. Runners are urged to use the hand cable to help them walk up the stairs."
This is a one-off race like no other.
Results:
282. Dave Wagstaff 38:42 65.51 69.52 = 3:01:20. 36th in Age Group.
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Nigel French did the Devils Challenge Adventure Race today 10/03/13. Nigel said: "The course was quite good with some very challenging sections - ropes were provided for the worst slippy up and downhill parts. It was worth doing, but the organisation was poor - registration, start time, signage"
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In the first Cycle Road Race in the Northants Cycle Racing Association Handicap series, PACTRAC came 1,2,3! The race was held at Southwick near Oundle on Saturday 2nd March. PACTRACers came home: 1st Christophe DeMoulin. 2nd Oli Laverack. 3rd Jordan MacSween. Well done guys.