5. Contrary to popular belief, swimming across San Francisco Bay from Alcatraz Island was not only possible but today forms the basis of an annual triathlon
Undoubtedly perpetuated by prison authorities to deter any attempts by prisoners to engage in escape attempts, several myths regarding Alcatraz Island and San Francisco Bay remain abundant in modern popular culture. Highlighting the supposedly dangerous nature of the waters surrounding the island, including an over-exaggeration of the propensity for great white sharks to visit the San Francisco Bay, as well as the sharp rocks, strong currents, and inhospitable temperatures, a narrative was carefully constructed to make escape appear more daunting than it practically was.
Demonstrating that it is indeed possible to successfully reach the mainland and beyond, the “Escape from Alcatraz” triathlon is a yearly athletics event held in June. Beginning in 1981 as a private event for members of the Dolphin Club, today it has morphed into a popular public event garnering thousands of participants. Consisting of a one and a half mile swim from Alcatraz Island to Marina Green, the race transitions into an eighteen-mile bike stage before concluding with an eight-mile run. Whilst participants are, admittedly, in greater physical shape and levels of preparedness to inmates, the triathlon, like the ultra-marathon “The Spartathlon”, serves to verify a widely disputed historical belief.