Jesse Thomas and Heather Jackson defended their long course titles against tough opposition from Leon Griffin and Kat Baker. Nearly 3,000 triathletes took part in the 31st annual celebration of a rugged course, fantastic crowd support and a history filled with greatness and feeling.

All photographs © Timothy Carlson

Age group men's swim start is a whirl of chaos and intensity.

No better way to celebrate her 50th birthday!

Diving in for the warmup.

Pro men's swim start.

Clayton Fettell was first out of the swim, led the bike for 35 miles, then fell off the back.

Balloon arch marks the swim finish.

Julia Grant of New Zealand climbs Beach Hill.

Heather Jackson passes Emily Cocks on Beach Hill.

Laurel Wassner rides.

Gavin Anderson rides past a vineyard.

Paul Ambrose rides past Mile 30.

Jeffrey Symonds rides over the bridge at Mile 36.

After climbing Nasty Grade, riders cruise past Lake Nascimiento.

Leon Griffin dueled with Jesse Thomas for the first 9 miles of the run before
the defending champion surged to a 200 meter lead.

Grant Burwash of Calgary, Alberta Canada finished 9th.

Leon Griffin rounds the turnaround at Mile 10 in second place.

Joe Gambles cooling off on his way to 3rd place

Jesse Thomas touches fingers with an appreciative crowd.

Training mates and good friends Jesse Thomas and Matt Lieto celebrate another Wildflower finish.

After taking care of her interview duties, women's winner Heather Jackson touches hands with age mountain bike age group finishers.