San Francisco Bay Area Triathlons
This page is no
longer being updated; please disregard dates. For current
information, click to the race sites web page.
Don't
miss these races! Race report included.
Sprint Triathlons
Lake Berryessa Quadrathlon 1/2M Swim-16M Bike-4M Run
Danskin Women's Triathlon Series 75k Swim-20k-Bike-5k
Run
Monterey Bay Challenge Triathlon 1/2M Swim-16M Bike-4M
Run
Tiburon Triathlon 1/2M Swim-9M Bike-2M Run
Sandman Triathlon 1/2M Swim-15m Bike-4.2M Run
Ukiah Triathlon 1/2M Swim-21.7M Bike-3M Run
Tri For Fun
Olympic Distance Triathlons
The Triathlon at Pacific Grove 1.5K Swim-40K
Bike-10K Run
Sentinel Tri 1M Swim-23M Bike-10K Run
Donner Lake 1.5K Swim-40K Bike-6.5M Run
USAT Southwest Region Championship Races
1/2 Ironman Triathlons
Wildflower Long Course 1.2M Swim-56M Bike-13.1M Run
1/2 Vineman Triathlon
Ironman Triathlons
Ironman
Canada Triathlon
Ironman Lanzarote-Canary Islands
Ironman
USA-Lake Placid
International
Races
Cayman Islands Pirates Week
Triathlon
Bear Creek
Biathlon 2.5mR-18mB-2.5mR
Saturday, January 27. (Pinole). Ellerhorst School, Pinole Valley Rd; flat,
out/back. Good novice intro to biathlons. Sky High, PO Box 20963, El Sobrante
94803; 510/223-5778
Feburary 23, Granite Bay.
Indian Valley
Biathlon 2.5mR-12mB-2.5mR
Saturday, February 24, 10am. Novato.
$25, $30 race day, teams: $30, $35 w/t-s. S/F Stafford Lake; R-rolling hills
trail, B-rolling hills, R-flat on bike path. Sky High, PO Box 20963, El
Sobrante 94803; 510/223-5778
AVAC Triathlon
400yS-5mB-2mR
March 16, 8am-All Day. San Jose. 10
person waves. $35-indiv, $65-relay, $15-kids(7-14yrs); $40/$70/$15 after 3/3
w/t-s. Almaden Valley Athletic Club; S-pool, B-stationary, R-out/back. Huge
post event raffle. Elite Cash Purse! Great 1st time Triathlete Event! AVAC
Triathlon c/o AVAC, 5400 Camden Ave 95124; 408/267-3700
Granite Bay Duathlon 4mR-16mB-4mR
March 17, near Sacramento. Granite Bay State Park, Folsom Lake;
two different course w/great trails, lake views, technical hills bike course on
closed paved roads. Bill Driskill; 916/202-3006. Mark Shaw, 916/395-FITT.
March 16, Granite Bay.
Lakeridge
Triathlon 500ydS-12mB-5kR
Sunday, March 24, 9am. El Sobrante $35, $40 race day; $40 ($45) teams
w/t-s. S/F Lakeridge AC; S-pool, B-scenic on San Pablo Dam Rd., R-rolling hills
Sky High, PO Box 20963, 94803; 510/223-5778 or Lakeridge AC 510/222-2500
Tri-Sport Spring
Fling Biathlon 4.4mR-17mB
Saturday, April 7, 8:30am. Fresno.
$25-indi, $35-Relay; $30/$45 after 3-18 w/t-s, killer buffet breakfast.
Woodward Park; rolling run, out/back, mostly flat bike. Tri-Sport, 132 W. Nees
#111, 93711; 559/432-0800
April 20, Granite Bay.
The
Ice Breaker Triathlon .5 mile
swim-Bike 16 mile- Run—4 mile
April 21, Folsom Lake
Lake Berryessa
Quadrathlon .5mS-10mB-4mR-10mB
April 28, Lake Berryessa. Excellent precursor for the Wildflower Triathlon races. Similarities include a long drive to a lovely area in the middle of nowhere, hot weather, a good stretch to the swim-to-bike transition, and a hilly bike course. Just enough distance not to wreak havoc with your taper, and a chance to iron out some kinks in the early season.
The Swim
Crisp, fairly clear and clean water, course follows four existing buoys in the lake. In reality, less than .5M. Wear your wet suit if you have one. Be sure to put some easy to slip-on shoes on the finish side of the boat ramp, or the run on gravel through the parking lot to the transition will really slow you down.
The Bike
Beautiful lake and hillside views, very little auto traffic. J-shaped course with some hills that gives a taste of what to expect at Wildflower. Only one water station is located here at the bike-to-run transition area. Bring plenty of fluids with you. Previous year race was only 10M long.
The Run
Very enjoyable dirt fire trail, mostly flat course that wraps around the lake. Nice hillside and ranch scenery, rolls past a large herd of cows who strongly encourage you to Mooove!
The Bike
Same course for the second bike leg, in reverse. By now you will be plenty warmed up and ready to negative split.
Overall, a fun and
very casual race with a great course. Race Director "Big Al" of Sky
High Productions does a super job on this low-key event. 10am $35-indi, $40-teams;
$40 & $45 race day w/t-s. Putah Creek Resort (N. end of Lake); lake swim,
rolling bike, flat run, flat bike. Sky High, PO Box 20963, El Sobrante 94803;
510/223-5778
Directions
I-80 to Carquines Bridge. Continue on I-80 toward
Sacramento.
Exit Suisun Road.
Go left over freeway and follow signs toward Lake
Berryesea.
Continue to Highway 121. Turn right.
Continue to Highway 128. Turn left.
Turn right on Knoxville/Berryesea Road.
Continue to Putah Creek Resort on right. $5 entrance
fee. Allow 2 hours from San Francisco. Long, winding roads.
Wildflower Long Course 1.2M Swim-56M Bike-13.1M
Run
ALL RACES SOLD OUT. May 3-5, Lake San Antonio. (408) 373-0678.
Awarded "Best Triathlon of the Year" by Competitor Magazine, this Half-Ironman is the second largest triathlon in the world, with over 4,000 competitors. Top professional triathletes are often scheduled to compete.
A good place to stay if you are not camping is Keefer's Inn in King City, (408) 385-4843. Allow at least 45 minutes to an hour to get to Lake San Antonio after check-in.
Krag
Rasmussen, President of the
Transition Sports Tri Club comments:
....Wildflower is one of the more difficult and
challenging races known. "Nasty Grade" is a five mile relatively steep climb at mile 42 of the
bike, and the run on this course is unforgiving to say the least. There is a climb of some sort every mile, with big
hills in the first 5 and last 4 miles of
the 13.1 total. The run is mostly on wooded trails, but at mile 9 it jumps back
onto the open road, up a longish hill, then down the other side into the
"Pit". At the bottom you turn around
and climb back up the same hill, and down the other side, then up another hill,
down, up, and finally a long downhill to the
finish. This is all in the last 4 miles......
Wildflower Triathlon Mtn Bike .25M Swim-10M
Run-2M Bike
- May 3-5, Lake San Antonio. (408) 373-0678.
Wildflower Olympic Triathlon .93M Swim-24M
Bike-6.2M Run
- May 3-5, Lake San Antonio. Over 30 schools from all over the country will compete for the USA Triathlon Collegiate National Championships. (408) 373-0678.
Marin Triathon 500 yard swim
8.6 M Bike 2 5.M Run
May 4, China Camp State
Park.
Triathlon for
Kids
May 18,
Concord.
South Bay Triathlon VII 3/4M Swim-16M Bike-5M
Run
- May
19. Uvas Reservoir, Morgan Hill. 408/866-8848
·
HUGHSON DU-- 5K RUN--17 MILE
BIKE --2 MILE RUN
May 19. Near Modesto.
Napa Valley Triathlon 1200 Yard Swim-17
M Bike-4 M Run
May 18,. Lake Berryessa. S-Lake
Berryessa (Putah Creek Resort) B-along shore of Lake Berryessa; R-Berryessa Rd.
Enviro-Sports, PO Box 1040, Stinson Beach 94970; info@envirosports.com;
415/868-1829, Fax-2611
Napa Valley Long Course Triathlon 1.2 M
Swim-56 M Bike-13.1 M Run
May 19, Lake Berryessa.
Deer Valley
Super Sprint Triathlon
Monday, May 27, 9am. Antioch. Superkidz,
7yrs-Under (50ydS-1mB-.25mR); Superkidz+ 7-10 yrs (100ydS-2mB-.5mR)
9:30am-Adult Short Course (250ydS-6mB-2mR); Adult Long Course
(250ydS-18mB-4mR). Superkidz-$10, Short-$20, Long-$25; add $5 race day; Teams:
$30/$35. Prewitt Water Park, 4701 Lone Tree Wy; Swim-pool, Bike-slightly
rolling loop; Run-paved run path, 1 small hill, out/back. Sky High
510/223-5778;
Tri For FunSprint Series Triathlon .6 mi swim · 14 mi bike · 3 mi run
June 1, Rancho Seco Park.
San Francisco
Triathlon ˝ M Swim-10 M Bike-2.5M Run
June 2,
Chrissy Field.
Escape From Alcatraz Triathlon 1.5M
Swim-18M Bike-8M Run
June 16. San Francisco. (415) 453-5196. Many top
professional triathletes compete.
Tri for Fun #1 1K Swim-20K Bike-5K Run
June 15, Pleasanton. (209) 795-7832.
Designed for the beginner, this series is also good for a training workout. There are four events held starting in June, each with increasing distances.
The Swim
1/4M in a warm, slightly slimy lake.
The Bike
14M, some little hills.
The Run
3.2M on a rolling dirt trail loop.
Tips:
Bike in. Park has $4 parking fee.
A different shirt for each event.
Good event to support. It is non-profit with proceeds
going to local high school track, cross country, youth soccer and the Tri-Valley YMCA.
Directions
I-680 to Sunol Blvd. Castlewood Exit
Take 1st Street to Stanley Blvd. to Shadow Cliffs
Regional Park
Danskin Women's Triathlon
Series 75k Swim-20k-Bike-5k Run
Sacramento, June
22nd & 23rd. Hotline 800-452-9526.
Lake Almaden, San Jose
Great sprint distance event for first timers, it's fun
and well supported. Many women have been introduced and subsequently hooked to
the sport of triathlon by participating.
Pro Pro triathlete Terry Schneider
Sally Edwards will conduct a
free pre-race day training seminar. Camp
Danskin, a series of triathlon training and education camps for women, will
be expanding their program for 2001 to
include four camp dates and sites. The camps offer women of all ages and
abilities training information and workouts in a fun and supportive environment
to help prepare them for the 2001 Danskin Women's Triathlon Races.
A percentage of race entry fees are donated to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. There is prize money, (1st-4th place) and top three age group awards.
If you have been thinking of doing a triathlon, this race makes an excellent and memorable goal to train for and achieve. Includes coed 5k run. Triathlon on Sunday.
The Swim
1/2M in Lake Almaden Park, in South San Jose. Calm, slightly murky water, 68-72 degrees. Wetsuits are permitted.
The Bike
12M circle route along city streets with bike lanes. Mostly flat, two moderate hills.
The Run
3.1M on the flat, paved Los Alamitos Creek Trail. Temperatures are usually in the upper 80's, and there is little shade.
Tips:
Race gets bigger every year, if you want to park close by, and stake out a place to rack your bike, allow plenty of time.
It's hot! Wear a visor, shades and plenty of sunscreen. Freeze your energy drink about 3/4 of the way in your Jetstream, and your water bottle, then top off with the cold liquid.
Directions: Danskin Hotline: (800) 304-1555.
San Jose Sprint Mt. Bike Triathlon 500Yd
Swim-10M Bike-10K Run
June 22, 2000, San Jose, 408/866-8848.
San Jose International Triathlon 1K Swim-40K Bike-10K Run
June 23, Sunday, Lake Almaden, San Jose.
See website for race course map. 408/866-8848.
$20,000.00 INTERWOVEN Pro Challenge June
24th
7:00 am start. Double Heat:
Heat 1: 750 yd swim 24 Bike
Heat 2: 750 yd swim 5 mile run
Tri For FunSprint Series Triathlon .6 mi swim · 14 mi bike · 3 mi run
July 6, Rancho Seco Park.
Gray Eagle
Sprint Triathlon .5M Swim-15M Bike-5K Run
July 6, Gray Eagle, (49 miles North of Truckee on Hwy 89). Sky High; 510/223-5778
Vineman
Long Course and & 1/2 Vineman Triathlon
The 2002 Half Vineman will be held on August 4, and is
an Ironman
Qualifier Event.
The Full Vineman will be held on ?.
Barb's Race-A
Women's Only Half Vineman
Swim 1.2 Miles-Bike 56 Miles-Run 13.1 Miles
?
Santa Rosa. Scenic course that rides through Sonoma County's beautiful wine country. Very good race organization. Excellent choice for first 1/2 Ironman race. (707) 528-1630 or fax (707) 523-0577.
The Swim
1.2M out-and-back course, double loop for the full Vineman. The Russian River is usually around 68-74 degrees, and wetsuits are allowed. Calm water is easy to navigate, although the clarity is very poor, and the water levels may be low at some points. Keep the buoys on your left. Johnson's Beach is usually the start and finish, while training, you can leave your bike in their equipment room. The swim site is located 15M away from the bike to run transition, so you will need to drop off your run gear before you go to Johnson's Beach.
The Bike
56M, point-to-point course, double loop for the full Vineman. Aid stations each 10M, granola bars, bananas, water and Race Day fluid replacement drink. Some flat terrain, lots of rolling hills. Roller Coaster! Passes by many champagne cellars and premium wineries, plan to ride the course in advance to enjoy the area. Here are rough directions for the course, be sure to take a map. The course is well staffed and marked on race day.
Starting at downtown Guerneville, off of First street, take a right on River Road to Sunset Avenue, which is a hard right hand turn down a shady lane to Westside Road. Depending on when your swim wave starts, this area can be full of tourist traffic that moves very slowly through the main intersection of town.
Continue on Westside, and take the loop on Magnolia Drive to Kinley Avenue, which turns into Dry Creek Road. This road turns into Canyon Road. Heading towards Geyserville, get on Highway 128. Make sure to stop at the aid station in this area if you need to use the facilities or refuel before attacking Chalk Hill. (For a more scenic option while training, turn on W. Dry Creek Road and continue until it turns into Canyon, then pick up 128 and resume the race course.
Turn right on Chalk Hill Road, the biggest hill on the course is coming up, and it is not the smaller slopes, so don't be fooled! After the hill, Chalk Hill Road is a screaming downhill which turns into Pleasant Avenue briefly, and then into Faught Road. Take a right turn, due west on Shiloh Road. That corner brings you to the fifth aid station, 53M.
Full Vineman riders will cross back over Route 101 and the 1/2 VM participants’ turn left off Shiloh Road, and continue left to Skylane Blvd, and then left on Airport and Concourse Blvd. to the bike finish. The full course stays on Shiloh and takes Windsor River Blvd. and Eastside Road back to Wohler Road for the turnaround.
There are some spectacular vineyards, colorful wildflowers and several patches of sweet and juicy blackberries along the way. Here is a tour of the Healdsburg wine country. Another easy way to get in miles after the race is to bike back to the swim site in Guerneville. This is 15M away, and the first few miles follows the run course, (the land of the hurting people) so offer words of encouragement and smiles to the remaining full Vineman participants. You will need to bring a backpack to the run transition, and pack lightly to fit your shoes, wetsuit, warm-up clothes, and whatever else can fit. After unloading the pack when you reach your car, there are many options, such as going further north to Monte Rio, Jenner or Bodega Bay. All are on beautiful country backroads, but if you are like me, and finish late, be sure to take a light wrap, and change your shades.
The Run
13.1M of rolling hills staged on lightly traveled paved rural roads. The Full Vineman is a double out-and-back course. There is a 1.5M dirt path through the La Crema Winery vineyard, mercifully, the last half has many shade trees that help to cool down a bit. It can get quite hot, wear plenty of sunscreen and a visor. Aid stations are approximately each mile, there are volunteers to spray you with water, and ice cold coke, water and Race Day. The run course is the most difficult leg of the race, try to train on asphalt hills in hot weather to prepare for it.
Tips:
There are literally no hotel accommodations available the night before the race from Cotati to Healdsburg. If desperate, try the Oaks Lodge in Cloverdale, a spartan, but clean and quiet bargain for $37.50. Only other options are in Ukiah, which is 50 miles from Santa Rosa. Map and resources for Sonoma County.
Make sure to fill up a cooler full of ice and put lots of water bottles in to chill for before and after the race. There are only cups of fluid after the race, and the food is limited. The traffic to Santa Rosa can be horrendous, so have fluids and food available while in the car.
Monterey
Bay Challenge Triathlon 1/2M Swim-16M Bike-4M Run
- July 15, 8:30 AM. Aptos. (831) 479-7800.
Local pro triathlete and adventure racer Terry Schneider, (408) 688-0620, offers a swim clinic on Saturday, July 11, 9-11 AM, at the race site Seascape Resort. Cost is only $10.00 for those registered for the race. It is well worth the time and money to attend. Terry has the group practicing entry and exiting the beach, sighting, and spending a short time just to get a feel of the water. This really pays off race day, then the initial coldness of the ocean, waves, and poor visibility from fog will not rattle you. Also, it is an excellent opportunity to practice one of the most difficult swim-to-bike transitions, a 600 yard run up a fairly steep rough concrete path. Be sure to bring some old shoes for running this stretch.
The Swim
1/2M ocean swim. (Course was short, expect a 2 minute better time.) Temperatures could be from 58-63 degrees. Chop is variable. Although visibility is nil due to heavy fogs, you will be able to see orange buoys and lifeguards directing you as you approach them.
The Bike
16M on the San Andreas Road bike path; just follow the green Pacific Coast Bike Trail signs. Lightly rolling, but one short, steep hill at the turn on Seascape Blvd. to the Seascape Resort. Although not a closed course, there was little vehicular traffic during the race.
The Run
4M looped course, some along the bluff through the park, most through paved residential area. Course was short, at least a 1/2-mile or a bit more.
This sprint course triathlon is organized very well, and has all the right variables to make a most pleasant weekend get-away. Seascape is a beautiful area, usually shrouded in fog, but it burns off by mid afternoon. After the race, you can follow the PC bike trail signs and get in a scenic bike tour of the area. A nice ride, about 35-40M, is to Elkhorn Slough. You can take the backroads and avoid Highway 1 for some delicious country scenery. A shorter, about 20M scenic tour of the area can be constructed by taking the bike trail, but then turning left on Buena Vista. This will lead to roads along the Strawberry Fields Century, and with some direction, wind up in the town of Corralitos. This is a bit hillier, so plan accordingly if you decide to do the day before or after the race.
Accommodations are pricey, and most Inns will only accept a two-night minimum. Watsonville is about 5M away and cheaper, but severely lacks the Seascape ambiance. Aptos is only 90 minutes away from San Francisco, and with an 8:30 AM start you can easily drive up race day.
The food served after the race was another highlight. Turkey breast sandwiches on crusty french bread, bagels, fruit, and pasta. The volunteers were extremely courteous and helpful, especially the bike mechanic on duty. (I love those who teach while they fix). The freebies in the race packet were useful, sunscreen, chapstick, Advil, and a Cliff Bar. The only concern was lack of security, there is no bike check out, but in a small, local event like this, you do feel the people are trustworthy. Many thumbs up for this race from participants that are on the TRS-DR list.
Sunday, July 15, 9:30am. San Francisco.
Biathlon $10; Run only $5. S/F Dolphin club, 502 Jefferson/Hyde St.
415/978-0837.
July 20, Pleasanton, 209/795-7832. See Tri for Fun on June 15 for course description.
Donner Lake Multi-Event Challenge Int'l
& Sprint Tri
1.5K Swim-40K
Bike-6.5M Run, or 1M Swim-10K Run
July 21, Truckee. 1M open water swim and 10K lake run events are also scheduled. Change of Pace, (530) 757-6017 or fax, (530) 758-1850. Best Scenic Olympic Distance Triathlon yet! Beautiful setting at Donner Lake, near Truckee, about 30M from Reno. Cool water swim, brutal, hilly bike course, and hot run make this course at high altitude extremely challenging. Only disappointment is the BBQ lunch, skip it, and bring your own food or eat out, there are plenty of food options in nearby Truckee.
The Swim
1.5K cool water swim, (59-63 degrees). Bring the wetsuit. Half-rectangle, water clarity is good, minimal chop. Swim out to the first buoy to get a feel of the water after the pre-race meeting. Lake elevation is 5,900 feet. Some gravel to bike transition, but mostly grass. Make sure you have your bike in a low gear, you have only 600 yards until the climb to Donner Ski Ranch!
The Bike
40K, tough, hilly, (one long grind up to Donner Ski Ranch). Course then has a downward slope to the turnaround, (Kingvale) but the road is rough with lots of ruts, so it is difficult to go aero. Highest elevation point is 7,000 feet, expect to be gasping for air at some points. One aid station at Kingvale, offering only water or Gatorade. The real grunt is after the turnaround, a consistent incline back to Donner Ski Ranch. The last 3.8M are very technical, lots of curves, (you bet!) and a mandatory footdown stop at the bottom of the hill. Be sure to ride this downhill section the day prior so you are familiar with the turns and to take in the delicious mountain scenery and spectacular views. Do not waste your energy climbing up-just drive up to the vista viewpoint and park, and have someone pick you up.
The Run
6.5M, which encircles the entire lake. Terrific views of the lake that has a cooling effect from the hot sun. Last half is running against the flow of traffic on Donner Pass Road. Mostly all paved, some crossings on dirt. Grab a PowerGel, there is only water and Gatorade at the 3 upcoming aid stations.
Perfect vacation destination, stay at a nice place on the Lake. Loch Levin had terrific decks overlooking the lake and just 2 miles to the race site. Do not stay up at Summit House at Donner Ski Ranch, lots of noisy, downhill mountain bikers. For additional miles after the race, take Donner Pass Road and ride upriver (Truckee) towards Tahoe City. From there, go right on 89 (counterclockwise around the lake.) You can go as far as Emerald Bay, about 25-30M, but after Tahoe City, there is no bike lane, and the vehicular traffic with motorhomes and boat trailers can be unnerving. However, this is the most scenic part of the ride. For a shorter distance, ride to Squaw Valley. The bike lanes are wide and it is very pretty and mostly flat to this area, although there can be some strong headwinds. The return trip is a flat, fast ride with tailwinds.
Tiburon Triathlon
1/2M Swim-9M Bike-2M Run
July 28. Organized by the Tiburon Volunteer Fire Department, this mini, or perhaps micro-tri is a blast. It is strictly for fun, so leave your game face at home. Tiburon is an idyllic community of gorgeous settings, views and homes, located six miles north of the Golden Gate Bridge. The volunteers are helpful and friendly, the goody bag contains a cool T-shirt and a Tiburon tri water bottle, along with the usual stuff. Whether it is your first tri or part of your weekend training, everyone will enjoy the splendid ambiance of Tiburon.
The Swim
1/2M Starts with a jump off the pier of the San Francisco Yacht Club. Yahoo! Bring a wet suit for maximum comfort.
T1 It is about a 1/4M from the swim finish to the bike transition on asphalt road.
The Bike
9M Start out on a bike path, but quickly routes to Paradise Drive. You will see some of the best views of the Golden Gate Bridge and surrounding headlands. Some small hills and blind corners. Fun!
The Run
2M The course is flat and easy.
7:30am $30-indiv, $45-relay(2-3 person), $40/$60 after 5/1, $50/$80 after 6/1 w/t-s. Limit 400. Belvedere Community Park; 1/2mS-Bay swim, 9MB-rolling loop, 2MR-flat loop. Send SASE: Peter Winkler, 1679 Tiburon Blvd 94920; members.aol.com/triathlon; 415/389-9360.
Directions:
Highway 101 onto the Tiburon Blvd. Exit
Head East to Tiburon to Beach Road and park.
Walk to Belvedere Community Park.
Tri For FunSprint Series Triathlon .6 mi swim · 14 mi bike · 3 mi run
August 3, Rancho Seco Park
Mammoth Lakes Sprint
Triathlon 500yS-22mB-5kR
Saturday, August 3, 9am. Mammoth Lakes. $30-indiv $40-team, $35, $45 raceday w/t-s. Whitmore pool(5M South of Mammoth Lake); S-pool, B-flat, paved, R-flat, trail. Mammoth Lake Visitor's Center; 800/367-6572, Sky High; 510/223-5778
Sandman
Triathlon .5M Swim-15m Bike-4.5M Run
August 4,
9 AM. Aptos. Test your mettle on this challenging short course. Upon
completion, you may proudly proclaim yourself a "Sandman/woman."
Proceeds from the race benefit the Junior Lifeguard Programs.
The Swim
1/2M ocean swim in the Monterey Bay, starting past the pier and around the cement ship to the transition area. Self-seeded mass start from the beach. Water temperature is about 62 degrees, and the pounding surf can be brutal. This swim is not for novices, have an ocean swim in your training program before the race. Swim into the waves, or else you will be toppled over if the surf is strong. (The lifeguards were surfing prior to the swim start!) The water remained choppy and rough throughout the course, every third or fourth stroke felt like it was a hurdle race. No need to concentrate on your body roll, the combination of the salt water and wet suit makes you very buoyant. Do your best to stay on course, you are already expending a lot of energy just to make progress. It appears that you can easily body surf into the finish, but there may be a slight undertow that will hold you back, and the waves will crash down on you by surprise. Don't panic, just keep swimming forward until you can get on solid ground.
The run through the dry sand to the transition is tough, take off the wet suit first to allow your legs to adjust.
The Bike
Hilly course, especially near the start, with flat sections few and far between. There is one aid station, with water only in paper cups. Be sure to bring plenty of fuel to keep you going strong. Some of the roads have ruts and are bumpy, hold on to that gel flask! Course is well marked and staffed, although traffic is not always controlled at many intersections. Be cautious at stop signs, some roads have considerable oncoming traffic.
The Run
There is a short section as you enter the beach that is soft sand, immediately head towards the hard, wet sand for easier running. The first couple of miles is straightforward, although if may seem to be a bit of a steeplechase to stay on the hard sand without running into seaweed, the incoming tide, or the runners on the return loop. Don't be fooled by the yellow flag near the end of the beach, from there, you proceed up a very steep hill which is a beach access trail. Again, there is one aid station, and only water is served. Continue on the trail and through the parking lot to the beach for the return back.
Excellent
refreshments at the finish, with a friendly, local crowd. This area has RV
camping and there are many people
utilizing the beach, be prepared to dodge them during the race. Temperature is
mild, usually overcast, the fog doesn't
burn off until afternoon.
9am $40-indiv ($75-team) w/t-s, $50 ($90) w/t-s race day, limit 400;
S/F Seacliff State Beach; S-ocean, B-loop, R-on beach, out/back. Santa Cruz
State Lifeguard Assoc., 665 14th Ave. Santa Cruz 95062; 831/476-4992
Directions:
Highway 17 to Santa Cruz.
Take 1 South.
Take the Seacliff exit, turn right and continue to
Seacliff State Beach. $6.00 parking fee.
Alcatraz Triathlon XXII 1.5 M Swim-13 M
B-10 M Run
a.k.a. Escape From The Rock. San Francisco S-From 'The Rock' (Alcatraz) to Aquatic Park,
B-in Presidio; R-in GGNRA. EnviroSports PO Box 1040, Stinson Beach 94970;
info@envirosports.com; Limited - PRE REG ONLY! 415/868-1829; fax-2611
August 24, Santa Rosa.
Barb's Race-A Women's Only Half
Vineman Swim 1.2 Miles-Bike 56 Miles-Run 13.1 Miles
August 24, Santa
Rosa.
Half Vineman Triathlon Relay Swim 1.2
Miles-Bike 56 Miles-Run 13.1 Miles
August 4, Santa Rosa.
- August 17, Pleasanton, 209/795-7832. See Tri for Fun on June 15 for course description.
International Distance
1.25k Swim - 40k Bike - 10k Run &
Sprint Distance
500 Yard Swim - 10 Mile Bike - 3.1 Mile Run
August 24, Harbor Bay, Alameda. All profits
directly benefit ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) research.
The Golden State Triathlon 1/2M Swim-30K Bike-5k Run
August 25 at Discovery Park, Sacramento.
BEAR VALLEY TRI
IS -- 600 YD SWIM--11 MILE (TECHNICAL ) BIKE AND 3.25 MILE RUN
September
1. 3 HOURS FROM SF -- IT IS DUE EAST OF STOCKTON.
Lakeridge SuperSprint Triathlon 250 yd pool Swim-10M
Bike-1.8M Run
September 2. El Sobrante. Sky High, PO Box 20963, 94803; 510/223-5778.
Ukiah Triathlon 1/2M Swim-21.7M Bike-3M Run
September 10. Ukiah is about 50 miles from Santa Rosa, in picturesque Mendocino County. 8am $35-indiv/$70-team, $50/$85 after 8/31 w/t-s. S-Lake Mendocino (2M away), F-Mendocino College; Swim-lake, Bike-rolling country, flat/slightly hilly, Run-XC (rolling hills). South Ukiah Rotary, PO Box 542, 95482; 707/462-5901; fax--3763.
The Swim
Lake Mendocino is typically 72 degrees, fairly clear water with no chop. 1/2M out-and-back course, mass wave start to the boat turnaround has the sun right in your eyes. Short run up the boat ramp to T1.
The Bike
21.7M bike from Lake Mendocino to Mendocino College through rolling country roads. Water is available in paper cups at the turnaround. At least two mandatory foot-down stops, the course is open to vehicular traffic. The local Rotary sponsors this race, and volunteer support is dependent on its members. There was significant drafting and blocking on the bike leg; hopefully, suggestions made to print the rules on the registration form and some marshaling will occur in the future.
The Run
3M run begins at Mendocino College and continues up to the college cross-country soft dirt course and finishes on the college track. Water is available at a few points.
There are two transition areas, so plan on a friend to drive you to both to set up your gear, or bike to the swim start before or after the race to park or go get your car. It is 2.5M away, but it is very hot and there are some hills to contend with if you choose to leave your car at the swim site. Average race day temperatures are around 89 degrees. Although informal, the scenery is pretty, and the course is fun. Afterwards, refreshments consist of fruit, muffins, All Sport, and bottled water.