If you’ve raced at Wildflower before, you already know about the hills, the heat, and the festival energy that makes it unlike any other race weekend. But there’s one thing that’s become just as much a part of the experience: the unforgettable presence of the San Francisco Triathlon Club! SF Tri has been a part of Wildflower since the early 2000’s when the club started, making it a tradition as iconic as the race itself.
Wildflower is a target race for SF Tri Club, and their presence throughout race weekend reflects months of preparation, camaraderie, and the strength of their tight-knit community. From the Olympic Distance Tri to the campground hangouts, SF Tri Club shows up in full force—not only to compete, but to celebrate. It’s one of those rare situations where a race weekend genuinely functions as a community event.
A Race Weekend Powered by Community
One of the most memorable parts of SF Tri Club’s presence at Wildflower is their supporter crew. Last year, a group of club members lined the course in matching “cheers squad” shirts, playing upbeat music, dancing, clapping, and shouting encouragement to every runner who passed. The energy was contagious.
Wildflower isn’t just a race for them; it’s a community gathering. Teammates, partners, friends, and family all take part in the experience. It’s this multi-generational, inclusive presence that can transform a tough course into a shared celebration.
The photos from the weekend echo that same spirit. Club members gather under tents and at the Wildflower Experience backdrop, smiling, arms around each other, proudly wearing their green gear. Another image shows athletes running side by side down the course, hands raised mid-stride, capturing exactly what Wildflower is all about. It’s clear that while each athlete races their own race, no one truly races alone.
Training that Prepares You for Wildflower
For many in SF Tri Club, Wildflower is more than a race—it’s a goal that shapes their pre-season. In a video testimonial, club member Kate Fosberg shares what the journey looks like from her perspective.
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I train with SF Tri Club out of San Francisco. I am doing the Olympic Distance Tri at Wildflower, and I did the trail run last year. I think my favorite workout to prepare for Wildflower is the SF Tri Club track workouts because they are a great workout, we have an awesome coach, and there’s such a good community to push each other and get ready for your races.”
That structure – a real training program, quality coaching, and people who hold each other accountable – is a big part of why the club has such a strong showing at races like this one.
Kate continues, “I think what makes SF Tri special is that there is something for everyone, it is such an inclusive group. It’s so fun to find a group to train with and meet new people that you wouldn’t meet in the city otherwise. I think it’s just a wonderful community. So excited for Wildflower!”
Inclusivity matters. SF Tri Club isn’t just for experienced triathletes chasing PR’s. It’s just as welcoming to someone doing their first Olympic Distance race, and Wildflower, with its potentially challenging terrain, gives everyone something to work toward together.
More Than a Finish Line
Wildflower has always been known as more than just a race. It’s an experience! SF Tri Club embraces all of it. The tents, the cheering, the campground energy – they’re invested in the full experience, not just the race itself.
They bring a genuinely fun, inclusive energy to the weekend that fits right in with what Wildflower has always been about. If you’re racing this year, keep an eye out – they’re hard to miss!
Whether you’re a seasoned triathlete or just getting started, SF Tri Club welcomes athletes of all levels. If you’re interested in joining them, the club offers a free trial workout for prospective members. You can find the option to sign up for this trial directly on the main navigation menu of their website: https://sftriclub.org/
Follow along with the club on Instagram @sftriclub!
