The much-anticipated Wildflower Triathlon Experience returns for 2018 to celebrate its’ 35th anniversary on May 4-6, 2018 at Lake San Antonio in Central California. The full triathlon race lineup is back, including the Long-Course, Olympic, Sprint and Mountain Bike, plus new events and activities for participants and spectators.
The “Woodstock of Triathlon” will resume with the iconic festival environment participants have grown to love and there will be enhancements to the “Wildflower Experience” enjoyed by friends, family and racers alike. Registration for all events is open at www.wildflowertriathlon.com.
“We are very grateful to be bringing Wildflower back to the triathlon community for 2018,” said Terry Davis, founder and race director of the Wildflower Triathlon. “The absence of the race in 2017 was a loss to all of us and the outpouring of support and encouragement has really motived us to continue. It has also given us the opportunity to take a look at the events and how we can even make them better.”
READ MORE: Why You Need to Have the Wildflower Experience This Year
Wildflower has partnered with Denver-based Motiv Sports to ensure this weekend of triathlon events will flourish for 2018 and into the future. Led by race directors Terry Davis and Colleen Bousman, the team will be keeping the tradition of the festival atmosphere alive and additional events, entertainment and activities will be incorporated into the weekend to expand the “Wildflower Experience.” The goal is to once again put on a superior triathlon weekend combined with lifestyle events such as music and wine tasting for athletes, friends and family to enjoy.
In addition to the legendary Wildflower Long Course, Olympic Distance and Sprint Distance triathlon races, Wildflower will now offer a 5K and 10K trail run, stand-up paddle board events, and yoga sessions throughout the weekend.
“Taking the year off has allowed us to keep our key traditions and evolve into our future festival vision,” explained Colleen Bousman, Race Director. “One of the key new events for Wildflower 2018 are additions that also focus on entertaining friends and family throughout the fun-filled weekend. We will have something active for everyone to enjoy.”
The Wildflower Triathlon began in 1983 at Lake San Antonio in Central California and was not held in 2017 for the first time in 35 years due to drastically lowered lake levels suffered from five years of drought. Attributed to consistent rain across central California and unseasonable high winter snowfall in the Sierra Nevada’s Lake San Antonio is now within 5 percent of its maximum depth. This level ensures a quality swim course and start from the Lynch Campground boat ramp where swimmers have traditionally entered the water.
“Wildflower represents the soul of triathlon, the feeling, environment, and community that best represents the sport. I’m so excited to come back to this race and reconnect with the people involved, and the course itself,” said Jesse Thomas, professional triathlete and six-time defending Wildflower Long Course Champion. “It’s hard for me to understate the importance of Wildflower in the launch and development of my career. I literally wouldn’t have the opportunities I have today as a professional without this race.”
Wildflower’s setting in the central coast of California is one of many reasons athletes travel to this iconic race. Aside from the race events, the scenic outdoor venue includes live music, a beer and wine garden, nature hikes, corn hole tournaments, and a large array of exhibitor booths—all lending their touch of fun for a festival feel to the weekend.
On-site racers will now have more premium camping options at Lake San Antonio than ever before. Along with traditional tent camping, athletes can upgrade their Wildflower camping experience to ‘glamping’ in canvas, yurt-like Bell Tents or nostalgic Tinker Tin trailers. There’s also an option from Getaway RV to have a RV delivered onsite.
If camping isn’t of interest, attendees can choose to stay outside the campground in the charming town of Paso Robles, which offers a variety of inns, hotels and vacation rentals.
Wildflower continues to draw thousands of competitive and amateur athletes each year. The organizing team add that, ‘with Mother Nature as its venue, a challenging course that affords finishers bragging rights, and a fun-filled, three-day festival as a way to disconnect from the daily stress of life, it’s sure to be the California destination race for years to come.’
READ MORE: Why You Should Train for a Triathlon
The Wildflower Experience 2018
All events take place at Lake San Antonio, South Shore in Monterey County, Calif.
Friday, May 4
Festival, Sport Clinics, Live Entertainment and Race Expo
Saturday, May 5
Festival, Sport Clinics, Live Entertainment and Race Expo
Long Course Triathlon (1.2 mile swim, 56 mile bike, 13.1 mile run)
Mountain Bike Sprint Triathlon (0.25m swim, 9.7m bike, 2mi run)
10-mile Trail Run
Stand Up Paddle board Race (SUP) (2 & 6 mile)
Wildflower 5K Run
Yoga in the Park all day
Sunday, May 6
Festival, Sport Clinics, Live Entertainment and Race Expo
Olympic Distance Triathlon (1.5k swim, 40k bike, 10k run)
Sprint Distance Triathlon (.25 swim, 20k bike, 5k run)
Wildflower 10K Run
Stand Up Paddle board Race (2 & 6 mile)
*The WF2 (athletes race the long course Saturday and Olympic Course Sunday) is also available for the 2018 race weekend.
