Last weekend, Rio Olympian Ben Kanute took first place honors at the 38th annual Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon, which featured a 1.5-mile swim from Alcatraz Island to the shore, an 18-mile bike ride and an eight-mile run through San Francisco. The 2016 Team USA Olympian in the sport of Triathlete and a silver medalist in the 2017 Triathlon World Championships is now preparing for the tenth annual Columbia Threadneedle Investments Boston Triathlon, which will be held next month.
The event is being held at Carson Beach in South Boston and more than 2,000 athletes are expected to attend from 42 states and 15 countries. This is the only triathlon held in the city of Boston, which will feature both an Olympic distance competition and a Sprint distance race along with a swim at DCR Carson Beach, a bike ride on DCR William Day Boulevard, and a run in Moakley Park. Participants can compete individually or as part of a team or relay, and the races will be followed by a celebratory after-party.
We caught up recently with Kanute to chat about this year’s Boston Tri and why he’s looking forward to coming to Boston.
Tell us how you have been preparing for the Boston Triathlon.
I have been training for multiple races this year, and Boston has been one of them. I train anywhere from 20 to 25 hours a week.
Why did you decide to participate this year?Â
I have actually never been to Boston and would love to see the city! It also looks like a well run race that will be a ton of fun to do.
You swam competitively in high school. When did you first become interested in triathlons?
I actually got involved with tri early (age 9). My dad did triathlon when I was very young, and I grew up around the sport, so I wanted to be just like Dad!
Is there a race you are particularly proud of?
I have been lucky enough to have a few in my career – the race that I qualified for the Olympics, my silver medal at the 70.3 World Championships, and my Escape from Alcatraz wins.
Photo Credit:Â Courtesy of Escape from Alcatraz
Do you have any advice for a first-time triathlete participant?
It’s cliche, but just have fun! Enjoy training and the process of competing in the race!
What’s up next for you?
I am racing the WTS Leeds Triathlon this weekend, Escape Philly Tri end of June and the NYC Tri first weekend in July.
