Just like the title says. When I joined Slowtwitch about a decade ago it was one of THE races you had to do and there was lots of discussion about it. Well it happened today and I don’t think anyone cared, no front page article about the results. Seems like the massive registration price increase a few years ago really hurt it.
Big headlines this weekend all over the world, but you are right it does not appear in any ST coverage.
I did Escape a couple times pre $$$$$$ but I think it’s still a pretty full field? I dunno
Although I’d offer Wildflower, which ceased to exist, was raised from the dead, and then died a second time as a worthy entry
Has any race fallen further than Escape from Alcatraz?
Washington DC Marathon. Once: a premiere event in the nation’s capital. Now: one of those “rock and roll” marathons, a selfie-fest with shit bands on every corner. Can’t get any worse than that.
They don’t even have the marathon anymore. Just a half.
Just like the title says. When I joined Slowtwitch about a decade ago it was one of THE races you had to do and there was lots of discussion about it. Well it happened today and I don’t think anyone cared, no front page article about the results. Seems like the massive registration price increase a few years ago really hurt it.
When I started doing the longer course or destination type races, this was definitely at the top of the bucket list, at least for North America. Since then, they’ve raised the price dramatically and other “extreme” races have popped up around the world. While the swim from the prison is very cool, the rest seems like a tough urban race compared to all the other new “extreme” races. And truth be told, these days, if I’m fortunate to be travelling to San Fran for a weekend, I’d much rather check out the dining scene and do my own runs/bikes afterwards.
Cheers
It did sellout so I’m not sure if they care.
Struggling to find results for the 2022 race… anyone have a link?
Struggling to find results for the 2022 race… anyone have a link?
Right on their website.
Has any race fallen further than Escape from Alcatraz?
Washington DC Marathon. Once: a premiere event in the nation’s capital. Now: one of those “rock and roll” marathons, a selfie-fest with shit bands on every corner. Can’t get any worse than that.
Never even heard of the ‘Washington DC Marathon’ and I’ve lived in the area for my entire life. MCM is the big marathon in DC.
Has any race fallen further than Escape from Alcatraz?
Washington DC Marathon. Once: a premiere event in the nation’s capital. Now: one of those “rock and roll” marathons, a selfie-fest with shit bands on every corner. Can’t get any worse than that.
Never even heard of the ‘Washington DC Marathon’ and I’ve lived in the area for my entire life. MCM is the big marathon in DC.
DC has some info up their site…see entry #2 on their list…
https://washington.org/visit-dc/top-organized-races-mararathons-triathlons-washington-dc
A $750 entry fee and San Fran not being the city it used to be kills it for me. I did it once seven or eight years ago. One of the coolest race courses I have ever done, but don’t think I’ll ever be back.
Wildflower, Springfield Ironhorse, original Gulf Coast course, original Buffalo Springs course, Columbia Triathlon, Powerman Zofingen, Powerman Alabama, Memphis in May Triathlon…etc all iconic races all gone.
Fallen? Sold out as usual, and from all of my friends that did it it was as big and as good as ever. What are you talking about?
Has any race fallen further than Escape from Alcatraz?
Washington DC Marathon. Once: a premiere event in the nation’s capital. Now: one of those “rock and roll” marathons, a selfie-fest with shit bands on every corner. Can’t get any worse than that.
Never even heard of the ‘Washington DC Marathon’ and I’ve lived in the area for my entire life. MCM is the big marathon in DC.
I wouldn’t think of doing any marathon in DC other than MCM
The Great Floridian is one.
How about Ironman Boulder. Boulder is a triathlon mecca and now the full distance isn’t even there anymore.
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I have done this race somewhere between 12 and 15 times. The first two times I did it swimming wetsuits did not exist, and there was not even a rule about wetsuits, nobody wore them. We were dropped off at Alcatraz Island, we had to swim to the Alcatraz shore where the race started. It was a swim, run, bike, run. We ran about as mile from the St. Francis Yacht Club to Fort Mason, then biked across the Golden Gate Bridge to Mill Valley, then we ran the Double-Dipsea, a 14-mile 4400 ft elevation change out and back course.
It has changed a lot over the years to what it is now. It can sell out just with Bay Area athletes, and while it is not the same vibe as when Terry Davis ran it, the race remains popular, and I do believe I read the results just this morning on ST.
As for the price, the reason it is so high is because, people are willing to pay it.
By the way, is does your ST name have anything to do with the song? Just asking cuz I am a Deadhead.
I have done this race somewhere between 12 and 15 times. The first two times I did it swimming wetsuits did not exist, and there was not even a rule about wetsuits, nobody wore them. We were dropped off at Alcatraz Island, we had to swim to the Alcatraz shore where the race started. It was a swim, run, bike, run. We ran about as mile from the St. Francis Yaught Club to Fort Mason, then biked across the Golden Gate Bridge to Mill Valley, then we ran the Double-Dipsea, a 14-mile 4400 ft elevation change out and back course.
It has changed a lot over the years to what it is now. It can sell out just with Bay Area athletes, and while it is not the same vibe as when Terry Davis ran it, the race remains popular, and I do believe I read the results just this morning on ST.
As for the price, the reason it is so high is because, people are willing to pay it.
By the way, is does your ST name have anything to do with the song? Just asking cuz I am a Deadhead.
Yes it does 😀
Wildflower…didnt that race have about 8000 participants (different distances but still) or maybe did it hit 10,000 one year. I just remember that always seemed to be THE california race to show up to. then IM St george kinda took over and the california drought didnt help. sad, such a fun race.
Wildflower…didnt that race have about 8000 participants (//
This is another of the great classics our sport has spawned, and really sad that it went out the way it did. Perhaps one day it can make a real comeback, I believe the interest is still there to fill those races up.
And I think you are about right, 8k for the 3 races held in two days was the high water mark. And pretty remarkable that virtually all of those folks and hangers on, had to camp in the park at lake San Antonio. It really was the Woodstock of triathlon, and I so looked forward to that week of camping and racing each May. It was even our Kona qualifier back in the day, really glad to get that out of the way in May so as not to stress about getting in later in the season. 10 spots for the pros in the mens and women as I recall, so you just needed to not blow up before the naked girl aid station at mile 4 of the off road run!!!
Naked aid station what? I was born too late
Naked aid station what? I was born too late
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Triathlon, and indeed the rest of the world, used to be so much more fun…