Search
shop

Five-star show? American star Kanute targets fifth straight win at Alcatraz

Spectacular backdrop for iconic San Francisco event - and strong fields for both men's and women's races
Last updated -
Get the ultimate guide to destination racing

Ben Kanute will seek a fifth successive victory in the Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon in San Francisco next weekend.

Kanute, who competed for the USA at the 2016 Olympics, is expected to be challenged by compatriots Ben Hoffman and last weekend’s IRONMAN 70.3 Chattanooga hero Jason West in the 41st edition of the race on June 5. 

British athlete and 2016 IRONMAN 70.3 world champion Holly Lawrence heads the women’s field as she bids to improve on last year’s second place, while 2021 third-placer Jackie Hering (USA) also returns following her recent Chattanooga victory

Advertisement

‘Unforgiving course’

Kanute’s recent standout displays include victory at IRONMAN 70.3 Oceanside, second place at IRONMAN 70.3 Texas, both in 2021, and third place in this year’s CLASH Miami. 

Ben Kanute Escape from Alcatraz 2021
Ben Kanute is looking for win number five [Photo credit: Escape From Alcatraz]

But the Alcatraz course, which features a 1.5-mile swim, 18-mile bike and 8-mile run, holds special significance. 

Kanute said: “Winning my fourth straight win was special and now having the opportunity to go for a fifth seems unreal. 

“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!” 

The race sets off from Alcatraz Island to the shoreline of Marina Green, with an 18-mile twisting bike ride through the Presidio, and then the trail run out to Baker Beach and up the infamous 200-plus step Sand Ladder.

To finish the race, athletes will follow a path back under the Golden Gate Bridge, pass Crissy Field and finish on the grass at Marina Green.

Professional fields include:

Women: Holly Lawrence (GBR), Jackie Hering (USA), Jodie Stimpson (GBR), Danielle 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). 

Written by
Ed Mezzetti
Discover more
tri-fit vortex tri suit review
TRI-FIT VORTEX tri suit review – race day approved performance
Maja Stage Nielsen Kat Matthews Jocelyn McCauley IRONMAN Texas 2023 podium photo credit IRONMAN
PremiumRacing to keep up: Is social media making us train harder?
Cadomotus chronos aero triathlon cycling shoes
The triathlon cycling shoe that promises a 10-watt saving: Cadomotus Chronos Aero triathlon cycling shoes review
Wahoo ELEMNT RIVAL
PremiumTraining to heart rate vs power on the bike
Caroline Pohle Lena Meissner ironman 703 jonkoping sprint 2025
PremiumHow to pace a triathlon to leave it all out there WITHOUT blowing up
latest News
Jeanne Lehair wins SLT London 2023
Supertri Chicago 2025 women’s results: Lehair holds off Olympic star Taylor-Brown
Alberto Gonzalez Garcia Supertri Chicago 2025
Supertri Chicago 2025 men’s results: Speedy Gonzalez Garcia STUNS the big names
Jonny Brownlee with bike transition Supertri Toronto 2025
WATCH AGAIN: Supertri Chicago 2025 as Lehair and Gonzalez Garcia take the wins
Tim Don Supertri Toronto 2025
Tim Don: Watch out for Jonny Brownlee bounce back and Fanni Szalai at Supertri Chicago
Morgan Pearson run T100 San Francisco 2025
Morgan Pearson born to run – ‘maybe I’m the T100 X Factor with a lot to prove’
triathlon on your terms
Never miss out with our triathlon alerts & digest. Get a dose of adventure & inspiration with Boundless.
The 247 Group

The home of endurance sports

TRI247-LOGO_Primary-Black_RGB-1

CHOOSE YOUR MEMBERSHIP TO BECOME PART OF SOMETHING EPIC

We’re on a mission to elevate the world of endurance sport, becoming your go-to resource for expert training tips and inspiration, unbiased reporting and creating a platform for grassroots voices. But we can’t do it without you on board! Choose a TRI247+ membership option below and become part of something epic.

All plans include a 7-day free trial

£7.95/month

Unlimited access. No ads. A whole library of tips, advice and inspiration at your finger tips, and the chance to shape the future of triathlon journalism.

100+ new articles/month

You’ll also gain access to our other premium websites:

Have an account? Sign in

All plans include a 7-day free trial

£47.95/year
£95.40/year

50% Discount

100+ new articles/month

Unlimited access. No ads. A whole library of tips, advice and inspiration at your finger tips, and the chance to shape the future of triathlon journalism.

You’ll also gain access to our other premium websites:

Have an account? Sign in

Share to...