Wildflower started in 1983 with just 89 contenders battling it out on the news course in Lake San Antonio., Under Terry Davis' leadership, the event grew to become one of the sport's iconic events with up to 9,000 competitors converging on inland Monterey County every May to battle the rugged hills amidst flowery splendor.

All photographs © Timothy Carlson

Heather Gollnick, 2003 Wildflower champion, poses by her Stairway of Champions plaque.

The pristine Wildflower Stairway of Champions.

Wildflower champions come to celebrate: L to R, Bottom Row - Heather Gollnick, Samantha McGlone, race director Terry Davis, Ardis Bow, Mark Montgomery. Middle Row - Jesse Thomas, Leanda Cave, Julie Moss (chatting); Top Row - John Devere, Chris McCormack, Andrew McNaughton, Chris Legh.

Samantha McGlone and Chris Legh

Chris McCormack shares a laugh.

Four time Wildflower champion Cam Widoff cooks some spaghetti.

Defending champion Leanda Cave.

Defending champion Jesse Thomas confers with Specialized technician.

Clayton Fettell of Australia vows not to get caught by Jesse Thomas in the last mile this time.

Jordan Rapp is this man's pick to join the champions on the Stairway this year.

Melanie McQuaid is a pre race co favorite after her dominating win at Oceanside this March.

Linsey and Chris Corbin.

Positive thinker Magali Tisseyre of Canada.

Dustin McLarty comes to Wildflower after a big win at the USA Triathlon Collegiate Nationals.

Heather Jackson is hungry for a win after placing second at Oceanside.

Tennille Hoogland of Canada is running better than ever after a stint training in Kenya and wants to better her 4th place finish here last year.

Happy couple before a practice swim in milder than usual waters.

Kids race happily down the Wildflower homestretch.

Warmer than usual waters lured some swimmers without wetsuits.

Wildflower wildlife.