Held in the lower central latitudes of California during the first weekend of May, Wildflower is a celebration of triathlon embracing both elite competition and broad participation. Since launching in 1983, races have embraced a challenging course reaching out from Lake San Antonio, a waterway which is suffered from lower water levels in the past 10 years.

After several cancellations, the event and its four distances are set to hold a 2025 edition thanks to sponsors ROKA, Rudy Project and TriDot, all grateful for having water levels exceeding 70% – high times California triathlon.

A gruelling long course (1.2-mile swim, 56-mile bike ride, and 13.1-mile run) attracts elite athletes looking to chase their PR, with amateurs favoring the variety of the bike and run.

The lumpy topography is mirrored by an eclectic, festival atmosphere maintained by up to 40,000 spectators who camp out in the area surrounding the lake. Live music, yoga, gourmet food trucks, and family-friendly activities have earned the event the moniker of the “Woodstock of triathlon.”

As well as holding a long course, Olympic, road-sprint and gravel-sprint are available with up to 7,500 entry spots available.

See race courses and entry information at wildflowerexperience.com. There is also a Wildflower Strava Club.