In 1983, Dean Harper and Jennifer Hinshaw won the very first Wildflower Long Course Triathlon. On Saturday, Jesse Thomas will be trying to win a record breaking 5th straight Wildflower title and Heather Jackson is the favorite to win her fourth straight at this classic half Ironman distance contest. Here is a look at the casual vibe of the contenders in the days before the race.

All photographs © Timothy Carlson

While the rest of Lake San Antonio is dry, there is plenty of water for the 1.2-mile swim at the East end near Harris Creek.

Davide Giardini, his fashionable haircut and reflector shades arrived at his first Wildflower long course after a sub-2 hour bike split at Galveston 70.3.

Slowtwitch honcho Dan Empfield chatting with Wildflower veteran Alexis Smith.

Brian Fleischmann points in the direction of his sleeping quarters to Matt Reed and Jenny Fletcher.

Wildflower race director and wife Betsy enjoy some time on Wildflower's welcoming lawn.

Endurance sports clothing owner and accomplished triathlete Emilio DeSoto and family.

Mark Montgomery and family enjoy the fine weather at the Wildflower pre race festivities.

Terry Davis and USA Triathlon Hall of Famer Bob Babbitt talk over Wildflower old times.

Travis makes a refreshing Hibiscus cooler.

Rachel McBride of Canada poses a serious threat to Heather Jackson's quest for a Wildflower long course four-peat.

Jesse Thomas poses with some fans at the Jaybird tent.

Heather Jackson looked cool calm and collected on the eve of the race.

UCLA grad Yu Hsiao is a young pro looking for a breakthrough.

Twins Rebeccah and Laurel Wassner are taking on Wildflower.

Pro Nathan Killam of Vancouver.

Jen Annett of Penticton, B.C.

Pro Nathan Dressel of Carmel Valley, California.

Liz Lyles finished second last year and will be chasing three-time defending champion Heather Jackson.

Mackenzie Madison of Springfield Oregon.

One of the happy finishers of the kids sprint running race has a brother who could not resist an playing an age-old photo background joke.