IMG has announced the pro field for the 41st Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon, set to take place on June 5, in San Francisco, California. The line-up includes Olympian Ben Kanute (USA), 2016 IRONMAN World Champion Holly Lawrence (GBR), seven-time IRONMAN Champion Ben Hoffman (USA), and more.
The pros will join 2,000 amateur triathletes for this annual event. The roster of professional triathletes set to compete in the 2022 Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon, and stake their claim in the US$50,000 prize purse, includes:
Women
Holly Lawrence (GBR)
Jackie Hering (USA)
Jodie Stimpson (GBR)
Daniel Lewis (GBR)
Megan Foley (USA)
Ginger Howell (USA)
Men
Ben Kanute (USA)
Jason West (USA)
Ben Hoffman (USA)
Eric Lagerstrom (USA)
Brent McMahon (CAN)
Gregory Harper (USA)
John Dahlz (USA)
Austin Hindman (USA)
Four-time Escape from Alcatraz Champion Ben Kanute returns to defend his title this year. He represented the United States in the 2016 Olympics and recently took first place in the 2021 IRONMAN 70.3 California, second place in the 2021 IRONMAN 70.3 Texas and third place at Clash Miami 2022.
“Winning my fourth straight win was special and now having the opportunity to go for a fifth seems unreal,” said Kanute. “I cherish every Escape win and never take them for granted as this can be an unforgiving course.
“Escape is one of my favourite races and it is even more special this year since my dad, brother and coach are all racing.”
This year’s elite field also includes 2016 Escape from Alcatraz Champion Holly Lawrence (GBR). Lawrence returns after placing second in the 2021 Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon. She is also a 14-time IRONMAN 70.3 Champion and the 2016 IRONMAN 70.3 World Champion. She recently took first place in the 2021 IRONMAN 70.3 Des Moines and third place in the 2022 IRONMAN 70.3 California.
Jason West (USA) returns to attempt to overcome Kanute, after placing second in last year’s Escape from Alcatraz. West recently took first place in the 2022 Sunbelt Bakery IRONMAN 70.3 North American Championship Chattanooga, first place in the 2021 IRONMAN 70.3 Memphis and first place in the 2021 IRONMAN 70.3 Des Moines.
Returning for her third Escape, Jackie Hering (USA) will attempt to move up the podium after placing third in last year’s Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon. Five-time 70.3 Champion Hering, recently took first place in the 2022 Sunbelt Bakery IRONMAN 70.3 North American Championship Chattanooga, first place in the 2022 Clash Daytona and second place in the 2021 IRONMAN 70.3 Memphis.
On June 5, triathletes will hit the water at 07:15 PT to embark on a challenging 1.5-mile swim from Alcatraz Island to the shoreline of Marina Green. There is then an 18-mile twisting bike ride through the Presidio, and an 8-mile trail run out to Baker Beach and up the infamous 200-plus step Sand Ladder.
To complete the race, triathletes will follow a path back under the Golden Gate Bridge, pass Crissy Field and finish on the grass at Marina Green. Fans can experience the race action at Marina Green, where the swim exit, athlete transition area and finish line are visible. This year’s event will also feature the 2022 Escape Aquathlon on Saturday, June 4.
