IMG, a global leader in sports, events, media and fashion, has signed Aquasphere as the official goggle, wetsuit and swim cap sponsor for the 40th Anniversary Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon, taking place August 14-15, in San Francisco. Aquasphere, the premier swimming and triathlon equipment brand and a leader in innovative swim eyewear, will host an on-site activation enabling participants to “trade in and trade up” their goggles. All competitors who trade in their used goggles onsite will have access to Aquasphere’s full collection of goggles with a variety of lens options at a discounted rate to create their ideal combination for the event’s specific environment.
“Known for its fiercely challenging swim, the Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon is the optimal environment to demonstrate the truly distinct features of Aquasphere’s range of open water swim goggles and condition-specific lens options,” said Andrew Gritzbaugh, General Manager North America of Aqualung Group, the parent company of Aquasphere. “While competitors face strong currents, cold water and unpredictable weather, Aquasphere will enable each athlete to have a confident swim and an amazing overall race experience.”
“We are thrilled to bring Aquasphere, a brand known for unparalleled design, development and manufacturing expertise, on board as our official swim sponsor,” said IMG’s Vice President of Action Sports Events Jennifer Lau. “The swim is such an iconic element of this unique race and the Aquasphere brand aligns perfectly with the lifestyles of the participants that take it on.”
Offering a wide variety of premium products, including eye protection, swimwear, triathlon wetsuits, speedsuits, swim fitness and training accessories, Aquasphere recently launched “A Lens For Every Condition,” an online guide designed to educate swimmers on their ideal lens options. Sorted by various swimming conditions, from extreme sun or cloudy to overcast, rainy or indoor, the online guide includes details around Aquasphere’s 12 high-end lens options and how each one can enhance specific swimming environments.
“Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon is one of my favorite races of all time. Escape has the most challenging swim course that I’ve competed in and having the right equipment is paramount,” said Aquasphere global athlete ambassador and three-time World Champion Mirinda “Rinny” Carfrae. “Personally, I use Aquasphere’s polarized and mirrored lenses regularly for both bright days at the pool and for open water swimming. This lens option allows me the most versatility and helps me sight course buoys and points of interest that enable me to stay on course which is especially helpful during open water races.”
The Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon includes a 1.5-mile swim from Alcatraz Island to the shoreline of Marina Green, an 18-mile twisting bike ride through the Presidio, and an eight-mile trail run out to Baker Beach and up the infamous 400-plus-step Sand Ladder. Fans can experience the excitement at the Marina Green, where the swim ends, and the athlete transition area and finish line are easily visible. This year’s event will also feature the first ever ESCAPE Aquathlon on Saturday, August 14.
About Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon
From Olympians and world champions to enthusiastic age groupers and challenged athletes, triathletes from all over the world will take over the streets and waters of San Francisco for the 40th anniversary celebration of the Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon on Sunday, August 15, 2021. The infamous history of the island as an inescapable federal prison illuminates a mysterious challenge to athletes worldwide, the chance to “escape from Alcatraz.” For additional information visit www.EscapeAlcatrazTri.com.
About IMG
IMG is a global leader in sports, fashion, events and media. The company manages some of the world’s greatest athletes and fashion icons; owns and operates hundreds of live events annually; and is a leading independent producer and distributor of sports and entertainment media. IMG also specializes in licensing, sports training and league development. IMG is a subsidiary of Endeavor, a global entertainment, sports and content company.
About Aquasphere
Established in Genoa, Italy, in 1998, Aquasphere is the premier swimming and triathlon equipment brand. With the launch of its cutting-edge Seal Mask—the world’s first swim mask, the company set the industry standard and today continues to innovate with a complete range of premium products, including eye protection, swimwear, triathlon wetsuits, speedsuits, swim fitness and training accessories. The designs have gained the respect and loyal following of many celebrities and notable athletes, including the world’s most decorated Olympian Michael Phelps, with whom Aquasphere has launched Phelps, a global brand of performance swimwear. Alongside its parent company Aqualung and supported by an international distribution network, Aquasphere has grown into a worldwide enterprise representing unparalleled design, development and manufacturing expertise, with a global footprint in more than 60 countries. For more information, visit: www.AquasphereSwim.com.
