Alcatraz Island Lighthouse island (they collected eggs from the large flock of birds that regularly gathered there), Alcatraz got its name in 1775 only when Juan de Ayala, a Spaniard was engaged to survey the harbor and the San Francisco Bay. Since he observed pelicans in large numbers on the island he named the island as "Isla de los Alcatraces" meaning the "Island of Pelicans". The island is separated from the main land by more than . The gold rush and the inherent risk of the choppy waters of the west coast prompted the urgent need for establishing lighthouses. Congress recognized the need
Escape from Alcatraz (triathlon) foot race, but by making it an out-and-back run rather than a one-way course, became known as a "Double Dipsea". The course has remained the same over the years and celebrated its 35th anniversary in 2015. Participants are limited to members of the Dolphin Club and The South End Club. The Dolphin Club is the host and sponsor of the event. The annual public Escape from Alcatraz triathlon, organized by IMG, now takes place in early June. The current course consists of a swim starting near Alcatraz Island, a run from the bay to the transition zone at Marina Green,