Wildflower 2025 Marks Triumphant Return to Lake San Antonio

Event delivered a unique blend of challenging endurance races and vibrant festival experiences

Monterey, CA (May 30, 2025) – The Wildflower Experience made its long-awaited and emotional return to California’s Central Coast, May 2–4, 2025, welcoming more than 60 triathlon clubs and collegiate teams, and thousands of supporters to Lake San Antonio. Known as the “Woodstock of Triathlon,” the event delivered a revitalized experience that balanced Wildflower’s storied tradition with new energy, all while setting the stage for an even bigger year in 2026.

Athletes from 32 U.S. states and 6 countries took on Wildflower’s legendary courses, with the youngest athlete at 12 years old and the oldest at 78, demonstrating the event’s enduring appeal across all ages and backgrounds. The weekend included the hallmark Long Course, Olympic Distance, Sprint, and the newly introduced Gravel Sprint triathlon, as well as a 20K Trail Run, 5K and 10K Fun Runs, Open Water Swim, and the challenging WF2 Challenge (Long + Olympic combo).  The courses are known for their scenic beauty and rigorous terrain, featuring steep climbs like “Nasty Grade” and a mix of trails and roads that test even seasoned triathletes.

“After a seven-year hiatus, bringing Wildflower back was both emotional and deeply personal,” said Colleen Bousman, Race Director and owner of See & Be Productions. “This wasn’t just about reviving a race; it was about restoring a community and a tradition that means so much to so many. It took a tremendous amount of work behind the scenes, but the reward was seeing the joy, connection, and storytelling return to Lake San Antonio. It felt like a true reunion.”

Wildflower is proud to host the Overall Club Competition for over twenty years.  Taking home top place was UCSB, followed in second place by LA Triathlon Club, then Silicon Valley Triathlon Club, Betty Squad, and Triathlon Club of Southern California. More than 60 triathlon clubs and teams, including LA Tri Club, brought their signature spirit, cheering squads, and campfire gatherings that make Wildflower a tradition like no other.

“The energy at Wildflower is like nothing else,” said Deb Carabet, Elevate Multisport/LA Tri Club. “It’s not just about the race, it’s the campfires, the cheering squads, the shared meals, the camaraderie, even if you aren’t racing… It’s a celebration of the triathlon lifestyle and community in its purest form. We can’t wait to double our participation next year.”

Notable is the fact that UCSB took home the Overall Club Competition Championship, beating out over 30 national clubs and teams, as well as several collegiate teams.  Triathlon’s growth in collegiate sports has been significant, with the sport now a varsity option at 40 schools across all three NCAA divisions. UCSB has shown its growth with over 60 athletes competing this year across four race distances. Also in attendance for collegiate teams were Cal Poly SLO, Oregon State, UC Davis, UCI, UCSD, Stanford, and USC. Medalist for the Collegiate Competition for the Olympic Distance includes female winner Kelsey McDonald (Cal Poly), runner-up Tatiana Dorrestein (UCD), third Elizabeth Schauer (USCB), and male winner Zane Moore (Oregon State), runner-up Nicolas Dorn (Stanford), third place Nico Wood (Cal Poly).

“Wildflower was an unforgettable experience for UCSB Triathlon. We brought over 60 athletes, including 12 first-timers tackling their first long course, and every one of them was met with incredible support and energy. From the enthusiastic volunteers and announcers to the bike mechanic who saved the day for several of our athletes, the entire event captured the spirit of the sport. We had a blast racing, camping, and soaking up the festival vibes. We’re already counting down the days until Wildflower 2026!” shared Cameron Cox and Derrick Chan Co-Presidents of UCSB Triathlon Team.

Among the weekend’s standout performances was Ryan Chaudoin of Isla Vista (8:34:15) and Jen Temperley, Wildflower ambassador, Coach and owner of Fly Health + Wellness from Manhattan Beach, (8:10:27), who captured first in age group in both the Long Course and Olympic Distance races, known as Wildflower Squared.

“There’s just something about Wildflower,” said Temperley. “The vibe, the energy—you feel lucky to be part of it. Going back-to-back races was challenging, but that’s the magic of this race. That’s what makes it so special. The people, the course, the community…I’ll be back.”

CAF Athletes Inspire with Stories of Grit and Triumph
Wildflower’s return also showcased some of the most inspiring personal journeys in the sport. Athletes from the Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF) made their presence known on the course and in the community, including Marin’s Mohammed Lahna, a Paralympian and long-time Wildflower competitor, as well as father-son duo Jim and Riley Pathman from San Diego, CA who completed the Olympic Course, proving that no course is too tough when teamwork and heart lead the way.

Among the most powerful stories was Jonathan Pascual of Vallejo, CA, who is defying the odds while living with stage 4 lung cancer. For Jonathan, Wildflower was more than a race, it was a chance to reclaim his life, prove to himself and others that a diagnosis doesn’t define him, and inspire his community. Despite the ongoing effects of chemotherapy, Pascual completed the triathlon, embracing every mile as part of his story. “The Pathmans, Mohammed, Jonathan Pascual…their stories—and the countless others like them at Wildflower—are what make this event more than a race,” added Bousman. “It’s about personal journeys, courage, and finding your reason to race, whether it’s your first time or your fiftieth.”

Festival Vibes and Local Flavor
The vibrant festival atmosphere featured a distinctly Monterey and SLO County, with local bands like Vince Cimo’s Hot Fire!, The Vibe Setters, Ben Hein’s acoustic rock duo and the roots-driven country sounds of the Shawn Clark Family Band. Festivalgoers also embraced the Wildflower Kids Race, wellness lounges offering massages and yoga sessions, paddleboard and kayak rentals, and a bustling endurance expo, rounding out the family-friendly, feel-good experience that makes Wildflower more than just a race; it’s a lifestyle weekend.

The weekend was supported by an outstanding group of sponsors that helped deliver a world-class athlete and festival experience, including ROKA, Rudy Project, TriDot Training, CredoTri, Base Performance, Bike Sherpa, Sports Basement, CAF, and FCancer. “Wildflower is more than an event, it’s a movement, a legacy,” said Mike Buenting, Sports Marketing Manager at Rudy Project North America. “We are proud to support this incredible community and be part of its rebirth.”

This year’s inaugural TriDot Games, interactive fun challenges designed for both athletes and spectators, is sure to continue into next year as LA Tri Club brings back the infamous trophy to defend their title next year. This wasn’t your typical race-day challenge. The TriDot Games tested teamwork, intellect, and speed through a series of lively, off-course games. After 10 games, including corn hole, photo bingo, find Dottie, balloon pass, golf ball relay, scavenger hunt, yard pong, heads up (Wildflower style), frisbee toss, and best photo played throughout the weekend, LA Tri Club turns out victorious with full bragging rights.

In a time when unity seems challenging, Wildflower was a perfect way to foster unity and connection despite the difficult times many face around the world and in daily life. Wildflower offers a shared goal for participants and a way for everyone to come together. Colleen speaks about how her team is consciously working to create a positive and unifying experience. “We are proud that the event had the same vibe as its 30,000+ days, with those that have missed racing Wildflower and those that always wanted to race joined together, cheering on friends and teammates.  It’s with a sense of accomplishment and dedication to be intentional on creating unity that we organized the event, so seeing that come together so magnificently was even greater than anyone could have anticipated,” stated Bousman.

Dates for Wildflower 2026 – May 1–3
Organizers have announced dates for Wildflower 2026, with plans to build on the energy of this year’s return with expanded race offerings, enhanced clinics, and the return of a reimagined Elite Race format, designed to spotlight emerging pros and honor Wildflower’s tradition as a launching pad for endurance athletes. Athletes can reserve their spot for early registration now at www.wildflowerexperience.com.

ABOUT WILDFLOWER EXPERIENCE
Founded in 1983 at Lake San Antonio in Central California, the Wildflower Experience has become one of the most iconic events in endurance sports, at its peak attracting over 7,500 athletes and 30,000 spectators annually. Often called “The Woodstock of Triathlon,” this three-day festival combines world-class competition with a vibrant, community-centered celebration. With Long Course, Olympic, Sprint, and Off-road Sprint triathlons, as well as trail runs, open water swims, and a bustling expo, Wildflower offers something for athletes of all levels and their families. Beyond the races, Wildflower creates connections, pushes personal limits, and celebrates the spirit of endurance, making it a cornerstone of the endurance sports community. Learn more and join us this May at www.wildflowerexperience.com.

ABOUT SEE & BE PRODUCTIONS
See & Be Productions is the proud organizer of the Wildflower Experience and is committed to creating live experiences that inspire and bring people together. Founded by Colleen Bousman, See & Be Productions is rooted in a passion for fostering community, storytelling, and personal growth through events that leave a lasting impact. With a mission to help people “See” what they love and “Be” who they want to be, the company specializes in producing meaningful events that combine purpose, adventure, and unforgettable moments.