Annual endurance event will bring together philanthropy and physical achievements with charity partner Challenged Athletes Foundation
MALIBU, Calif. – The Zuma Beach Triathlon will return to Malibu on Sept. 19 and 20, inviting participants to swim in the waters of Malibu’s famous Zuma Beach, bike the Malibu coastline and run past the cliffs of Point Dume. While creating a world-class event where athletes can achieve their personal goals, the triathlon and its organizers are simultaneously creating community impact through the Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF) Corporate Challenge, presented by Pepperdine University. In addition to the challenge, the Zuma Beach Triathlon expands its reach and impact with help from recognizable competitors including Paralympians, inspiring challenged athletes and celebrities.
Registration for the Zuma Beach Triathlon, including the CAF Corporate Challenge, is currently open. The 2026 event will offer three courses: the Zuma Distance and the Olympic Distance on Sept. 20, and the Kids Triathlon the day before on Sept. 19. The Zuma Distance includes a ½ mile swim, 16 mile bike ride and 4 mile run. The Olympic Distance offers a more advanced course, with a 1.5K swim, 40K bike ride and a 10K run. The Kids Triathlon is for kids ages 9 to 14, and will feature a 100-yard swim, 3-mile bike ride and ½ mile run for ages 9 to 11, and a 200-yard swim, 6-mile bike and 1-mile run for ages 12 to 14.
“With our Malibu location, we offer an experience that other sports destinations can’t: the spectacular setting of Malibu’s natural wonders and star sightings that are quintessential to Southern California,” said Michael Epstein, executive director and founder of the Zuma Beach Triathlon. “We’re a race unlike any other. The Zuma Beach Triathlon continues the legacy we’ve built throughout our time presenting events in Malibu which have raised over $20 million for great causes.”
The very first Corporate Challenge was launched in Zuma Beach by Epstein in 1997, and the legacy of that challenge continues with the Zuma Beach Triathlon’s CAF Corporate Challenge, presented by Pepperdine University. The challenge takes the same course as the Zuma Distance, incorporating fundraising towards CAF’s efforts to empower athletes with physical disabilities by providing funding for adaptive sports equipment, training, and community support so they can thrive through fitness and competitive athletics. The fundraising minimum to participate in the challenge is $250 per person, with extra perks unlocked at $350 and $500. The triathlon has already welcomed key local brands and businesses to the challenge, including Bank of America, J.P.Morgan, Lido Advisors, Lionsgate, United Talent Agency, Compass Real Estate, Minimed, Amgen and more.
“Triathlon is about discovering what’s possible and the Zuma Beach Triathlon brings athletes of all abilities together on the same course,” said Bob Babbitt, co-founder of CAF. “We are proud to partner with an event that brings competition, inclusion and meaningful impact together in such a powerful way.”
CAF athletes will participate and compete throughout the weekend, showcasing their perseverance and commitment to sport on the race course. In addition, Paralympic athletes preparing for LA28 are also expected to take part.
Those interested in taking on their first triathlon, or who are looking to get in some group training ahead of race day, can take advantage of the event’s local training offerings leading up to event weekend. The Zuma Beach Triathlon offers multiple open water swimming clinics at Zuma Beach, bike training along PCH and surrounding Malibu roads and transition training to practice and master the switch between sports. For non-locals, they also offer the Tower 26 Triathlon Podcast with expert tips for every level of athlete, as well as 8-week and 16-week training plans.
The Zuma Beach Triathlon is produced by The Zuma Foundation, a Malibu-based nonprofit creating athletic, health and wellness initiatives and events, including triathlons for all ages. The foundation’s mission is to directly benefit Malibu’s youth-serving nonprofits focused on character development, healthy lifestyles and mental health and wellness. As part of this mission, the Zuma Beach Triathlon will continue its support of the Boys and Girls Club of Malibu at this year’s event. In 2025, the event donated $50,000 to the organization and will increase the donation to $55,000 for 2026. The Boys and Girls Club of Malibu is dedicated to mentoring children of all ages and providing critical tools that pave the way for them to become strong, caring, productive, and contributing citizens of the world.
For more information about the Zuma Beach Triathlon, visit www.zumabeachtriathlon.org and follow the event on Facebook, and Instagram.
ABOUT THE ZUMA BEACH TRIATHLON
The Zuma Beach Triathlon is a world-renowned and recognized event that has hosted triathletes of all levels alongside celebrities. The event offers a variety of courses, including the Zuma Distance, the Olympic Distance and the Kids Triathlon.The Zuma Beach Triathlon is produced by The Zuma Foundation, a Malibu, California-based non-profit organization formed to create athletic, health and wellness initiatives and events, including triathlons for all ages. The Zuma Foundation was awarded a long-term agreement with The City of Malibu to produce the triathlon in Malibu. To learn more, visit zumabeachtriathlon.org.
ABOUT CHALLENGED ATHLETES FOUNDATION
The Challenged Athletes Foundation® (CAF) stands as a global leader in empowering individuals with physical disabilities to embrace vibrant, active lives. CAF firmly believes that engaging in physical activity fosters self-esteem, encourages independence, and enriches quality of life. For more than three transformative decades, CAF has been at the forefront of the adaptive sports movement, catalyzing change and redefining possibilities. Since its inception in 1994, CAF has raised over $200 million and fulfilled nearly 60,000 funding requests from people with physical disabilities across all 50 states and more than 70 countries, impacting another 60,000 individuals annually through its outreach efforts. From providing essential equipment like handcycles to offering mentorship and encouragement, CAF’s mission is clear: to provide opportunities and support to those who aspire to lead active, athletic lifestyles. To learn more, please visit www.challengedathletes.org.