Published June 3, 2011 08:32AM
More than 2,000 competitors from more than 34 countries will compete in one of the oldest triathlons in the world.
The world’s top athletes will take over the streets and waters of San Francisco this Sunday, June 5, to compete in the Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon. Featuring a 1.5 mile swim from Alcatraz Island to the shore, an 18-mile bike race and an 8-mile run through San Francisco, this race is considered one of the oldest and most difficult triathlons in the world. More than 2,000 competitors from more than 34 countries will compete.
Several professional triathletes are returning to participate in this year’s Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon including: Three-time Winner Andy Potts from Colorado Springs, Colo.; Three-time Winner Leanda Cave from Tucson, AZ; 2006 Champion Becky Lavelle from Los Gatos, Calif.; Eight-time Champion Michellie Jones, from Carlsbad, Calif., and Two-time Ironman Champion Craig Alexander.
A handful of physically challenged athletes will join the abled-body competitors including Middle East War Survivor Mike Johnston – a single leg amputee and part of Operation Rebound which helps injured veterans “get back in the game,” single arm amputee Creighton Wong; and “One Armed Willie” Stewart from Boise, Idaho. The youngest competitors include 15-year-old San Francisco resident Elsabet Jones and 15-year-old Dallas resident Steven Emerson. West Bloomfield, MI resident Paul Groffsky will be the oldest competitor at 78 years old.
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