Wild at Wildflower: Ian Murray’s 20-Race Legacy

For triathletes, there are races—and then there’s Wildflower. It’s not just another event on the calendar; it’s a pilgrimage, a rite of passage, a proving ground for endurance and grit. And for Ian Murray of the LA Tri Club, it’s been all that and more. Over the next couple of weeks, Ian will be taking us down memory lane, sharing race bibs, stories, and unforgettable moments from his 20 Wildflower races.

Having been lucky enough to spend time at Wildflower myself—as an athlete, as a coach for Team in Training and the LA Tri Club—I know firsthand what makes it so special. And while Ian is lining up for what may be his 20th Wildflower race, it’s probably closer to his 25th trip to Lake San Antonio with all the camps, clinics, and adventures along the way.

Ian first toed the line at Wildflower in May of 1997, taking on the legendary long course alongside his wife, Alexandra Paul. It was their first big event together, a test of endurance and a shared passion for triathlon that would shape many races to come. That first race set the stage for nearly three decades of memories.

For many years, Ian took on what he called the “easy double”—racing the Off-Road Sprint on Saturday and then lining up for the Olympic on Sunday. But in 2010, he went a step further and did the unthinkable: the Wildflower Triple.

Wildflower isn’t just about racing—it’s about the experience. The camaraderie, the challenge, the adventure. Some years, Ian and fellow racers camped under the stars, lying on warm asphalt and watching a dozen shooting stars an hour streak across the sky. Other years, the local wildlife became part of the journey—like the time he learned that a group of turkeys is called a rafter of turkeys, knowledge only acquired from long hours spent under the live oaks and Spanish moss.

Year after year, Ian has seen a pattern—athletes who are fit enough to have a good day at Wildflower go on to have incredible seasons. The demands of the course—the brutal climbs, the unpredictable conditions, the unforgiving run—build resilience in a way few races do. If you can conquer Wildflower, you can take on anything. Now, as he gears up for yet another Wildflower adventure, Ian’s looking forward to celebrating the past, embracing the present, and tackling whatever challenges the course throws his way. Next week, keep an eye on his social media as he shares race bibs and memories, because Wildflower isn’t just a race for him. It’s home.

Whether you’re a seasoned Wildflower veteran or dreaming of racing it for the first time, his stories will remind you why this race is truly one of a kind.