32 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY MAY 1-7, 2025 www.montereycountynow.com SPORTS 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. KAORI PETERS Tri Power The Wildflower Experience triathlon race series and festival returns to Lake San Antonio. By Sloan Campi At the start of the 2018 Wildflower Experience—the most recent before a seven-year hiatus—endurance athletes prepare to ride. Cornucopia Community Market offers quality nutritious and environmentally safe products, free of artificial additives and preservatives. Your Source for Local and Organic Food for a Healthy Lifestyle HAPPY SPRING! • Natural, Organic Produce • Fresh Bakery and Deli • Olive Oil/Vinegar/Local Honey • Wine, Beer, Juice, Coffee and Tea Selections • Fresh, Organic Dairy Products • Healthy Snacks • Vitamins and Nutritional Supplements • All Natural Bath and Body Products Your Local Health Food Store OPEN MON-FRI 9AM-7PM SAT & SUN 10AM-6PM 831-625-1454 26135 Carmel Rancho Blvd, Carmel (at the mouth of Carmel Valley) HELP WANTED! Do you love cats? Do you want to help save the lives of cats? Then we need you! Golden Oldies is looking for volunteers to serve as foster parents, or help with tabling and events, or monitor donation boxes, create cat videos, and more! If any of these opportunities to help sound interesting, please call us at 831-200-9232 or email info@gocatrescue.org to find out more. You will be helping cats like sweet River get that Second Chance at a New Beginning. If you would like to sponsor our next ad, please call us at 831-200-9232 or email info@gocatrescue.org. 831.200.9232 PO Box 683 Monterey, CA 93942 www.gocatrescue.org May 10, 2025 MEarth Day ❧ Organic Farm Stand ❧ Plant Sale ❧ Eco-Art Zone ❧ Local Food Hilton Bialek Habitat 4380 Carmel Valley Road www.MEarthcarmel.org 10am-4pm
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