by Delfin Vigil, SF Chronicle Staff Writer

A woman competing in the 1.5 mile Alcatraz Challenge Aquathlon swim race died today of undertermined causes, according to authorities.

The San Francisco Medical Examiner identified the woman as 51-year-old Sara “Sally” Lowes of Houston. Lowes was pronounced dead at 9:32 a.m. after being pulled from the water. An autopsy will be conducted to find the cause of death.

Her body was discovered floating in the bay near Crissy Field beach and was recovered by the Marin County Sheriff’s patrol boat. Efforts to revive her were not successful, according to U.S. Coast Guard Petty Officer Jackson.

With a motto of “Swim or Die!,” the Annual Alcatraz Challenge Aquathlon and Swim is a 1.5 mile course that begins at Alcatraz and finishes at the East Beach of Crissy Field, according to race director, Gary Emich. Today’s was the 27th annual race.

It was the first death of a participant in the Alcatraz Challenge since the USA Triathlon Association-sanctioned race began in 1981, Emich said.

Of the “Swim or Die!” motto, Emich said: “It’s been a tongue-in-cheek motto for years because the Alcatraz races are exceptionally safe. Thousands and thousands have participated safely since 1981.”

jay: something tells me that 2007 will be the last year that ’swim or die!’ is uttered at this race.

this entry was posted on Sunday, August 5th, 2007 at 6:41pm and is filed under weird deaths. you can follow any responses to this entry through the rss 2.0 feed. you can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.