David Wild found inspiration everywhere at the 3rd annual Hilo Triathlon, where a pace-setting rabbit helped at the start and a wise owl provided words of encouragement near the end.
Born in San Diego, Wild lived in Berkley and Oakland, Calif., for eight years and moved to the Big Island two years ago to become a Konawaena math teacher.
For two years, Wild has been running in Luis De La Torre’s shadow. The 29-year-old has finished behind De La Torre in four races, including last year’s Hilo Triathlon.
Both attended the inaugural Hilo Triathlon in 2014 and watched as spectators.