As of the week of April 19-25, Lake San Antonio Reservoir levels in South Monterey County were at 72-percent capacity. To some, that may sound like a pointless detail. But to the over 60 triathlon clubs and collegiate triathlon teams that will descend on the resort campground from May 2-4, it’s great news.
After all, seven years was a long time to wait.
The Wildflower Experience, a triathlon festival known for its rigorous uphill courses, returns to the lake for the 36th time after a long hiatus – with an updated format. Though not a sanctioned competition by the Ironman Group, elite champions like Jesse Thomas and Heather Jackson have participated in the event.
The triathlon is subject to the whims of weather and of international pandemics. Drought caused water levels to drop, forcing organizers to cancel races in 2016, 2017 and 2019. Then Covid hit. The last running was in 2018.
Race Director Colleen Bousman, owner of See & Be Productions, says the return is about honoring the legacy of the event. Yet she also wanted to make sure that it evolved beyond the set of grueling swimming, biking and running races.
“It’s an experience for anyone who loves the outdoors, live music, wellness and community,” she says. All festivalgoers will get to enjoy plenty of activities, plus food and craft beer.
The schedule includes Wildflower’s signature courses – a half-iron man distance (70.3-mile) long course, an Olympic-distance course and a sprint-distance course. The long course involves a swim of 1.2 miles followed by 56 miles on a bike, wrapping up with a 13.1-mile run.
The updated format includes an off-road gravel sprint course, a 20K trail run, 5K and 10K fun runs, an open water swim and more. Bousman says that the response to the event’s return has been overwhelmingly positive.
“While our numbers are intentionally smaller this year, it’s been incredibly rewarding to see such strong enthusiasm from those who’ve always wanted to race here,” she adds.
The 2025 comeback of the Wildflower Experience will not feature a professional field. But Bousman says that the Elite Race format for professional triathletes will return in 2026.
THE WILDFLOWER EXPERIENCE takes place noon Friday, May 2 (festival and clinics), 8am Saturday-Sunday, May 3-4 (competition). Lake San Antonio, 2610 San Antonio Road, Bradley. wildflowerexperience.com
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