Hunter Kemper got away from his competitors late in the race to take the win at the 2010 Escape from Alcatraz triathlon. Leanda Cave battled Jenna Shoemaker all the way on her way to the title in the women's race.
The men
After plunging into the cold waters of the San Francisco bay, the 30th anniversary Escape from Alcatraz triathlon started in earnest. Dustin McLarty quickly took the lead and managed to get back on land first. But McLarty had a bunch of athletes right on his heels and most of the favorites were right there. One notable athlete missing was 2007 Ironman World Champion Chris McCormack, who exited the waters about a minute later.
Bevan Docherty and Hunter Kemper quickly took over after the bike and only Andy Potts was able to hang with that pace. David Thompson was riding a similar speed but he was riding almost 2 minutes further back and in the end had a slower bike split than Docherty and Kemper by a few seconds. Francesco Godoy, Kyle Leto, Graham O'Grady and Brian Fleischmann all had started their days with strong swims, but they all gave up at least 2 minutes on the bike. Behind them Macca started to make up some time and gained time on Fleischmann and Godoy, but gave up more time on Docherty, Kemper and Potts.
Kemper then just cruised on the run and his 44:14 run split was quite impressive on this very tough course and allowed him to be the only athlete to finish the 2010 Escape from Alcatraz under 2 hours. Bevan Docherty crossed the line in second and Andy Potts held off the very fast running McCormack for third.
"The win here at Alcatraz means a lot to me. The race has so much history and the course suits me well. I haven’t been on top of the podium in 2 years after being injured the year before, plus now I know that when I am healthy I can win big races," said Kemper to slowtwitch.
The women
Cave was the 2008 champion at this race and was narrowly beaten by Ellis in 2009, but this time the Brit was determined to be on the very top of the podium again. Ellis though was first out of the water among the female pros, but Jenna Shoemaker and Leanda Cave were just seconds behind.
These 3 pros then added some more time to their lead during the difficult 18 mile bike segment and by the time they hit T2 it was quite clear that the 2010 title would be decided among them. 2006 Ironman World Champion Michellie Jones was next into transition and was looking to improve on her finish at the recent 70.3 Texas where she had taken 6th place.
The three leaders soon turned into two as Cave and Shoemaker dropped Ellis and in the end Cave crossed the line 13 seconds ahead of Shoemaker. Ellis held on for third and Jones crossed the line in fourth. For Cave this is already her 3rd title in this event.
"Winning any race is so hard to do these days. I have been heading down the long distance route for the past few years, and to knock out another win at Escape from Alcatraz gives me so much confidence," said Cave.
Escape from Alcatraz triathlon
San Francisco , CA / May 2, 2010
1.5 mile swim, 18 mile bike, 8 mile run
Top 10 men
1. Hunter Kemper (USA) 1:58:21
2. Bevan Docherty (NZL) 2:00:24
3. Andy Potts (USA) 2:02:02
4. Chris McCormack (USA) 2:02:08
5. Francesco Godoy (ESP) 2:02:12
6. David Thompson (USA) 2:02:35
7. Brian Fleischmann (USA) 2:04:56
8. Graham O’Grady (NZL) 2:05:33
9. Dustin McLarty (USA) 2:07:41
10. Chris Stehula (CRO) 2:08:01
Top 10 women
1. Leanda Cave (GBR) 2:14:34
2. Jenna Shoemaker (USA) 2:14:47
3. Mary-Beth Ellis (USA) 2:17:27
4. Michellie Jones (AUS) 2:20:37
5. Rebecca Witinok-Huber (USA) 2:26:02
6. Jenny Fletcher (CAN) 2:27:00
7. Emily Cocks (USA) 2:29:18
8. Amy Dannwolf (USA) 2:32:18
9. Vicki Wade (GBR) 2:35:51
10. Kristen Peterson (USA) 2:39:11
