Race Update: Safety Tips to Help You Have a Strong (and Safe) Wildflower Weekend

With Wildflower right around the corner, most of the attention is on final training sessions, gear prep, and mentally tackling the course. But before race day arrives, it’s just as important to take a minute to think about your safety.

At Wildflower, your safety is our number one priority. This event is known for its energy, challenge, and sense of community. Making sure every athlete has a safe and supported race is a huge part of that.

Wildflower is an amazing event, but it’s no walk in the park. The warm weather, steep terrain, and challenging course can push athletes in a lot of different ways. Here are a few quick tips to help you stay safe and finish strong.

1. Hydrate Before You Need It

Dehydration can sneak up fast, especially at Wildflower where the sun and heat add up. Don’t wait until you feel thirsty. Start hydrating in the days leading up to the race and stay consistent on race day. Use the aid stations, and if you’re used to carrying your own water on the bike or run, bring it with you.

2. Get Familiar with the Course

You don’t need to memorize every detail, but having a general sense of the layout will help you feel more prepared. Look up the elevation profile, figure out where aid stations will be, and know where transitions happen so you’re not caught off guard. For the swim, be especially mindful of your safety. If you need help, wave to signal one of our lifeguards. You’re allowed to rest on a board or get help as long as it doesn’t give you any forward progress. Staying aware of both the course and your own condition can make a big difference.

3. Don’t Try Anything New on Race Day

This might be the most repeated tip in triathlon, and for a good reason. Whether it’s nutrition, gear, or pacing strategy, race day is not the time to experiment. Stick with what you know, wear what you’ve trained in, and save the new shoes or hydration mix for another time.

4. Stay Aware of Your Surroundings

This applies to every part of the race. During the swim, be mindful if you’re in a crowded wave. On the bike, parts of the course are open to vehicle traffic, so obey the rules of the road and ride predictably. On the run, pay attention to trail conditions and look out for other athletes. A little awareness can prevent a lot of problems.

5. Listen to Your Body

You’ve trained hard, but if something feels off, don’t ignore it. If you feel lightheaded, cramp up, or just aren’t feeling right, slow down and take a break. There are volunteers and medical staff throughout the course who are there to help. Finishing the race is great, but finishing healthy is even better.

6. Lynch Hill Is No Joke

When we say it’s steep, we mean it. Athletes often head down Lynch Hill toward transition with their wetsuits draped over their handlebars. Please don’t do this. That hill has claimed more than a few bikes over the years. Make sure your handlebars are clear and your footing is solid before making your way down.

7. Trail Running Means Trail Awareness

Much of the Wildflower run course is off-road, so be prepared for uneven terrain. Having strong ankles will serve you well. Keep an eye out for loose gravel and stay alert for any “slinky critters” (our friendly way of saying wildlife) that like to hang out near the lake.

8. Check Your Bar Ends

It might seem like a small thing, but bar end plugs are required for safety. Unplugged bars can cause serious injury in the event of a crash. Make sure yours are in and secure before heading to the start.

9. Bluetooth Shifting? Charge Your Batteries

If you’re riding with electronic shifting, double check your battery level. The Wildflower bike course is hilly, and the last thing you want is for your shifters to go out mid-climb. Also, keep in mind that not all campsites have reliable charging options, so plan ahead.

10. No Headphones on Course

We love a good playlist too, but headphones are not allowed during the race. You need to be able to hear everything around you, from other athletes to volunteers to course vehicles. Save the music for the post-race party. We promise the festival area will be worth the wait.

One Last Reminder
You’ve put in the work. Now the goal is to stay safe and enjoy what you’ve trained for. Taking care of the small things can help make your Wildflower weekend an unforgettable experience. 

We’ll see you out there… safely.