Wildflower Triathlon

The Wildflower Triathlon is held at Lake San Antonio in Central California. This swim, bike, and run race has been around since 1983 and takes place at the beginning of May each year.

The original course was shorter, but expanded in the late 1980s to a standard half-Ironman distance (1.2 mile swim, 56 mile bike ride, and 13.1 run). The Wildflower Triathlon is also known as the “long course.”

In later years, two additional races have been added, an Olympic distance race (1.5 km swim, 40 km bike, and 10 km run) and a sprint, or mini triathlon (0.25 mile swim, 10 mile bike, and 2 mile run).

This particular triathlon is known for its strenuous, hilly course. As one of the largest triathlon events in the world, there are 7,500 registered participants and at least 30,000 spectators each year. In connection with the race, there is also a Wildflower festival traditionally held.

The current half-Ironman course records were set in 2006. New Zealander Terenzo Bozzone completed the distance in 3 hours, 53 minutes, and 43 seconds. Canadian Samantha McGlone completed distance in 4 hours, 31 minutes, and 8 seconds.

For the 2008 race, the Wildflower Triathlon events are scheduled for May 2-4. The long course, or half-Ironman, is held on Saturday the 3rd. The sprint, or mini triathlon, is also held on the same day. The Olympic distance race is held on Sunday, May 4.

There are camping passes and festival fees that can also be purchased with applications. The Wildflower Triathlon also has a great Exposition with live bands, food, and vendors showing off the newest triathlon gear.

If you are looking for a fun triathlon to participate in, check out the Wildflower Triathlon. Registration usually opens up the first day in December of each year.

All three race courses have individual group categories for men and women. The Olympic distance race also has Collegiate and Relay Team divisions. The Long Course also has Elite and Relay Team Divisions.

The Mountain Bike Triathlon only has individual age groups and youth relay divisions. All participants in the individual age group categories are also eligible to compete for their triathlon club. Their club name must be listed on their application for registration.