Last week, a video was released showing a great white shark attacking a sea lion near Alcatraz Island. That incident was foremost in the minds of many athletes on October 17, as they were scheduled to swim in the same area.
The swimmers were taking part in the opening event in the annual contest known as the ‘Dolphin Club Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon’. For the event, the Dolphin Club partnered with the nearby South End Rowing Club. The two organizations decided to contract the field of swimmers from east to west, in order to provide a safer area for them during the first part of the event. After they completed the swim, they were required to take part in a bicycle race over a 12-mile route, taking them across the Golden Gate Bridge to Mill Valley. Then, they ran 14 miles on the challenging Dipsea Trail.
To enhance safety even more, guides in boats were added to help the swimmers find their way through the treacherous 1.5-mile swim from Alcatraz to Aquatic Park. Participants said the shark sighting did not deter them, but they were extra careful because of it.
Triathlon organizers could work with a postcard printing company to create a card that memorializes this year’s event, and reminds them to save next year’s date.
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