Dungloe’s Karl Bonner may not be an outlaw, but he’s intent on escaping from one of the world’s most notorious prisons this June!
Last December while flicking through a men’s triathlon magazine, Karl came across an article on a bucket list of triathlons to do before you die.
One event stood out for him, the Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon that takes place in San Francisco on June 9th 2019. Now in its 39th year this iconic race is listed in the top 10-triathlon races in the world.
Karl’s choice was obvious, a great friend Elizabeth Clarke living in San Francisco had recently experienced the untimely loss of her beloved husband Damon. Karl had plans to visit Elizabeth and her daughter Quinn.
He said should be successful on securing a place that he would dedicate this challenge and race to the memory of Damon Clarke. Fortunately he was successful via a lottery draw. The lottery came with T&Cs. Karl was tasked with affiliating with a charity and raise a considerable amount of monies in advance. Karl’s chosen charity is Save the Children.
This global charity is a non-profit organization. They provide children a healthy start in life, the opportunity to learn and protection from harm. 50 million children in a 120 countries have been positively impacted and directly helped, transforming their lives and future.
Alcatraz Island
Alcatraz Island was turned into a State Federal Prison in 1934 and housed some of the world’s most notorious villains including Al Capone, George ‘Machine Gun’ Kelly and Bumpy Johnson. The famous ‘Rock’, was once believed impossible to ‘Escape’ given the islands high security and location within the treacherous, shark infested, chilly waters of San Francisco Bay.
On June 1962 3 inmates, Frank Morris, John Anglin and Clarence Anglin successfully escaped from Alcatraz prison, although today it is still a mystery what happened the 3 men when they entered the waters of San Francisco Bay.
Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon
On June 9th, Karl and 2000 elite triathletes from around the world will take over the streets and waters of San Francisco for the 2019 Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon on a course showcasing the beauty of the city. Triathletes will hit the water at 7:30 a.m. to embark on a grueling 1.5-mile swim from Alcatraz Island to the shoreline of Marina Green, an 18-mile challenging bike ride through the Presidio, and an 8-mile trail run out to Baker Beach and up the infamous 400-plus step Sand Ladder.
To finish the race, triathletes will follow a path back under the Golden Gate Bridge, pass Crissy Field and finish on the grass at Marina Green. Fans can experience the excitement at Marina Green, where the swim exit, athlete transition area and finish line are easily visible.
Karl Bonner training for the Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon
In order to make this trip possible Karl reached out to a number of businesses and was fortunate to secure sponsorship allowing him to take up his position. Karl has teamed up with Irish Fish Canners (IFC), Irelands only fish canning facility, manufacturing premium quality canned fish for domestic and global markets, The Waterfront Hotel Dungloe, Donegal’s finest 4 star hotel located on the Wild Atlantic Way and Arranmore Red Ferry, servicing the islands including Arranmore and Tory Island.
In addition, Karl Bonner secured sponsorship from other businesses including, Premier Fish Products, Atlantic Treasures and Goatbridge Trout Farm, not to mention a host of family and friends.
In preparation Karl has engaged the professional support of Jack Wilson (PT) and participated in many local and international adventure races, cycles, swims and runs, all part of his training regime, while enjoying his training and improving his overall fitness.
Karl will proudly promote all businesses who have generously donated and assisted him take up his position. In advance Karl would like to thank all who have helped make this journey possible and would ask that you support your local businesses.
Please Donate via the following link:
http://support.savethechildren.org/goto/karlbonner
