Cold weather and choppy bay waters greeted the brave 2,000 or so triathletes as they hopped off the San Francisco Belle to start the 2013 Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon.

2012 London Summer Olympics Silver Medalist Javier Gomez from Spain won the prestigious race. Heather Jackson from the USA took the first place position amongst the women. Both Gomez and Jackson are first time escapees. Featuring a 1.5 mile swim from Alcatraz Island to the shore, an 18-mile bike ride and an eight-mile run through San Francisco, this race is considered one of the most difficult triathlons in the world.

“This Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon win is a great start to the season,” said 2013 Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon Winner Javier Gomez. “I have always wanted to come to San Francisco to race in this infamous triathlon. The course was tough with cold water, strong currents and a great field of competitors.”

Racers from 13 to 80-years-old and a number of physically challenged athletes from Challenged Athletes Foundation participated in the triathlon. The notorious Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon attracted athletes from more than 35 countries, including top Beijing triathlete Qi Dang, who is representing IMG Worldwide’s Beijing International Triathlon, set to take place September 21, 2013.

KTVU even had their own staff Web Video Journalist, Evan Borders, join the fun. “This triathlon has everything: rough bay waters, fast flat roads, challenging hills, technical stair-running, trails, beach running, and even the treacherous Baker Beach sand ladder.”

A shadow was cast over the event in a statement from Race Director Bill Burke that a death occurred. They believe a 46-year-old suffered a massive cardiac event as he began the swim portion of the race. That's the first part of the triathlon, which begins at Alcatraz Island. Burke stated: "it is our understanding, that this is the first death to ever to take place at the Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon, which has taken place for 33 years."

The Escape from Alcatraz triathlon’s official sponsors include Muscle Milk, Cytomax, Babson College, Sierra Nevada, Hornblower Cruises & Events, TriBike Transport and San Francisco Recreation & Parks. It’s produced by IMG Worldwide with race direction provided by Premier Event Management.

For more information and full race results, visit EscapeFromAlcatraz.com.