Malibu was abuzz as athletes took to the scenic courses and displayed endurance of all kinds
MALIBU, Calif. – On Sept. 19 and 20, the Zuma Beach Triathlon returned to Malibu with nearly 1,500 athletes of all levels and abilities taking part across the weekend’s events. Participants and spectators experienced an electric atmosphere, celebrating and cheering on finishers as they swam in the waters of Malibu’s famous Zuma Beach, biked the Malibu coastline and ran to the cliffs of Point Dume. Throughout the field, grit was on display as first-time triathletes earned their new title, paraathletes overcame their circumstances to persevere and tenured racers added new medals to their collections. From the podium finishers to the final participants to cross the line, cheers, music and cowbells created a constant buzz at the iconic venue.
“Even with dazzling celebrity participants and breathtaking scenery all around them, attendees of this year’s Zuma Beach Triathlon were captivated by the unique stories that were playing out across the course and at the finish line,” said Michael Epstein, executive director and founder of the Zuma Beach Triathlon. “While we do create a stage for elite athleticism, what folks will remember about the day is watching athletes of all abilities, shapes, sizes and experience levels challenge themselves to overcome and achieve their goals. This event will always be a welcoming one, dedicated to cultivating a community of inclusion and giving.”
Noticeable throughout both days of the event were the adaptive athletes who brought inspiration to all in attendance. Utilizing racing chairs, hand cycles, running blades and more, these paraathletes displayed a different level of endurance and left a lasting impression. The event’s dedication to creating an inclusive environment also extended to its charitable giving. Over $155,000 was raised through the Challenged Athletes Foundation Corporate Challenge, presented by Pepperdine University. The original triathlon corporate challenge was created by Epstein in Malibu in 1997 and has raised over 20 million dollars for multiple causes dear to his heart.
Organizers also work to further the sport of triathlon by welcoming the next generation of athletes through its Zuma Foundation Triathlon For Kids. Presented by the Boys & Girls Club of Malibu, the youth event welcomed kids of all experience levels from ages 9 to 14. The event featured 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. This year, the Zuma Beach Triathlon continued its support of the Boys & Girls Club of Malibu and presented a check for $55,000 to the organization. The local nonprofit 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.
Displays of athleticism by top performers also contributed to the atmosphere of the weekend. First place finishers included:
- James Lubinski, Olympic Distance Men’s Division
- Reesa Zagnoli, Olympic Distance Women’s Division
- Alex Goodman, Zuma Distance Men’s Division
- Grace Wagener, Zuma Distance Women’s Division
- Willie Stewart, Challenged Athlete Division
- Dylan Efron, Individual Celebrity Men’s Division
- Nikki Kay, Individual Celebrity Women’s Division
- Team 5 Star featuring actor David Denman, retired professional cyclist Dave Zabriskie, and elite runner Emily Gallin, Celebrity Relay Division
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.