HALF MARATHON RACE GUIDE
SUNDAY, NOV 5, 2023
7:00AM START
Thank you for joining us at the 2023 Run Malibu presented by Rusnak BMW! Please read the information below to find out everything you need to know about race weekend. Safe travels to Malibu, CA – we look forward to seeing you on the start line!
Daylight SavingS
On Sunday, November 5, 2023, at 2:00 am clocks are turning backward 1 hour to 1:00 am local standard time.
Sunrise and sunset will be about 1 hour earlier so you get to sleep 1 extra hour.
HOW CAN WE GUIDE YOU?
We recommend that you take the time to read through everything to make sure that you're fully prepped for race day!
PRE-RACE
EXPO & PACKET PICK-UP
All Half Marathon participants are required to pick up their race bib during the Race Expo unless they have pre-purchased the mail-my-packet add-on. There is NO same-day bib pick-up for the half marathon.
In addition to picking up your Bibs, timing tags and race t-shirt, the Expo features merchandise for sale, demonstrations, and information from a variety of merchants and vendors. This event is open to the public, so come with your friends and family...
there is something for everyone!
Bring your confirmation email with your bib number (to be sent Wednesday, November 1st) to expedite the pick-up process.
HALF MARATHON RACE DAY
SUNDAY
7:OO AM
NOVEMBER 5, 2023
TIMELINE & ORDER OF EVENTS
Zuma Beach
30050 Pacific Coast Hwy Malibu, CA 90265
Note: We recommend arriving between 04:30 - 05:30 am. Plan for heavy traffic and delays.
4:30 AM
PARKING OPENS (SEE SECTION ABOUT PARKING)
5:00 AM
VIP/CHARITY LOUNGE OPENS FOR ELIGIBLE RUNNERS
6:00 AM
ZUMA BEACH PARKING CLOSES*
6:45 AM
TAKE PLACE BEHIND THE SIGN WITH YOUR EXPECTED FINISH TIME
7:00 AM
HALF MARATHON START TIME
8:30 AM
BEER GARDEN OPENS (BRING YOUR ID)
11:30 AM
BEER GARDEN CLOSES
12:00 AM
BEACH FESTIVAL CLOSES
* NOTE: Between 6:30 AM and 7:30 AM (or until the last runner has reached the PCH) Zuma Beach Parking will be closed to traffic.
THE BEST WAY TO GUARENTEE PARKING IS BY CARPOOLING
Race DAY PARKING
Participant parking is available at Zuma Beach (30000 Pacific Coast Hwy. Malibu, CA 90265), along Westward Beach Road and in the Point Dume lot (7103 Westward Beach Road Malibu, CA 90265).
FIRST 750 VEHICLES ARE FREE
The first 750 vehicles to arrive will receive complimentary parking in the Zuma Beach lot. The Zuma Beach lot will open at 4:30am on Sunday, November 5th. Plan to arrive early, and score free parking!
After 750 vehicles enter the Zuma Beach Parking Lots, parking within Zuma Beach and the Point Dume lot will be $5 per car. Please be prepared with EXACT change to help traffic flow quickly and safely into the lots. Parking along Westward Beach Road is free. The Point Dume parking lot (7103 Westward Beach Road Malibu, CA 90265 ) will open at 5:30 AM.
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Vehicles and the flow of traffic will be directed into these parking areas to ensure everyone makes it to the start line on time. Due to the location and positioning of the parking areas, participants may need to walk up to 1 mile to reach the start line. Shuttles will run from Birdview Ave and Westward Beach Road to the start line for those that need to park farther away.
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You can expect significant traffic on race morning as we have just ONE entrance to the parking lots. The best way to join us at the race is by carpooling. In our opinion, there’s no better way to start your race morning than with a buddy!
Please note that Zuma Beach parking lot will CLOSE at 6AM sharp as we prepare for the half marathon race start. If you do not make it into the parking lot before that time, you will need to park down Westward Beach Road (free to park) or within the Point Dume lot ($5 per car).
We also offer a drop-off zone – read on for more details and location. Visit the Parking + Travel page on our website for additional information.
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Runners can expect significant traffic on race morning as there is only ONE entrance to the parking lots. Please plan on carpooling to help ease race morning traffic.
Please note, the Zuma Beach Parking Lot will close at 6:00am sharp in preparation for the half marathon race start. If you arrive after the Zuma Beach lot has closed, please park down Westward Beach Road (free to park) and within the Point Dume lot ($5 per car).
Participants can be dropped off in our drop-off zone at Trancas Market (30745 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, CA 90265) directly across PCH from our Race Expo and the race start/finish line.
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COURSE MAP & DETAILS
The Half Marathon starts and ends in world-famous Zuma Beach, Malibu offering participants a beautiful out-and-back route along the pristine Malibu coastline. From the starting line, the course proceeds along the Zuma Beach Access Rd and then turns left on Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) offering a prime view of the pristine Malibu beach. After making the turnaround, just north of San Nicolas Canyon, runners head back down the coast to the finish line. The Half Marathon course is USATF-measured and participants will have 4+ hours to complete their race, i.e. 18 minutes-per-mile pace for the Half-Marathon.
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Due to the out and back nature of the course (what goes up also goes down), the total elevation ascension is 378 feet, which makes it perfect for anyone looking to attempt a personal record — or just looking for a gorgeous, well-organized event.
There will be 7 aid stations along the course:
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Water stations will be located approx at miles 1.5, 3, 4/12, 5/11, 6/10, 7/9 and 8
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The turnaround point is just before mile 8
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Electrolyte drink will be at miles 3, 5/11, 6/10 and 7/9
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Energy gels will be located at mile 8 just after the turnaround point
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Restrooms are located at miles 1, 4/12, 5/11, 6/10, 7/9 and 8
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Basic First AID will be available at all water stations
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First AID will be available at mile 4/12, 7/9 and at the Finish Line
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Note: For safety reasons due to the nature of the PCH, all aid stations are located Ocean-side. Outbound runners will have to cross inbound runners’ traffic in order to reach the aid station. Outbound runners are asked to yield to inbound runners when possible.
MEDALS & AWARDS
LEGACY RUNNERS
Legacy status is reached after running the half marathon or 5K distance at Run Malibu Half Marathon and 5K for three consecutive years. Runners can achieve Legacy status by running any combination of either distance if they are run consecutively. If the runner misses a year, they default on Legacy status.
Legacy status will be denoted on your race bib. If you’re eligible, don’t forget to pick up your special-edition gift in the Legacy Booth at the Race Expo:
3-Year Legacy Runners receive their official Malibu Legacy trucker hat
5-Year Legacy Runners receive a 5-Year medal buckle
7-Year Legacy Runners receive an official Malibu Legacy tumbler
Legacy participants must have their loyalty status denoted on their bib to collect their perks.
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If you are a Legacy runner, but do not have a legacy designation, please visit the Solutions tables in the Bib Pick-Up tent and our team will be able to assist you.
COMBO CHALLENGEES
Participants that complete both the 5K and Half-Marathon over the Run Malibu weekend are eligible to earn a Combo medal. Those eligible will have the COMBO box on their Sunday race bib denoted with a marking. If you are participating in two races but do not have the “COMBO” designation on your Half Marathon bib, please visit the Solutions table in the Bib Pick-Up tent with your bibs and our team will be able to give you a COMBO sticker.
Participants completing the Malibu Combo challenge will be able to pick-up their Combo medal on Sunday after completing their race at the Results tent. Look for the Combo Medals signs to be directed to the pick-up tent.
golden state RUNNERS
Those completing their 4th race and thus completing the Golden State Challenge at the race will have the GSC box on their race bib denoted with a marking. If you are completing the Golden State Challenge at this race, but do not have the GSC designation, please visit the Golden State Challenge booth and our team will be able to assist you. Participants completing the Golden State Challenge will be able to pick-up their GSC medal on Saturday or Sunday after completing their race at the Golden State Challenge lounge. Look for the Golden State Medals signs to be directed to the pick-up tent.
Those that are participating in the Golden State Challenge will receive an email with further information regarding the Golden State Challenge Lounge and where to pick up your prizes!
You must have completed four or more events below in the 2023 season to be eligible for Golden State Challenge prizes:
Surf City Marathon & Half
Santa Barbara Wine Country Half
Bay to Breakers
Napa to Sonoma Wine Country Half Marathon
Surf City 10
Long Beach
Run Malibu
POST RACE FAQs
RACE WEEKEND LIVE UPDATES
We are thrilled to have launched the Run Malibu Run Tribe Community Platform this year - free for all registered participants. A running event first, Run Malibu will be sharing exclusive access to Training Plans, exclusive content, giveaways, race weekend comms, and more!
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Browse below and make sure to join the WhatsApp group to get all live hints, tips, news, and comms over race weekend.
RUN TRIBE COMMUNITY
YOUR PERSONALIZED RACE DAY RECAP
SHARE YOUR RUN MALIBU
After completing your race event, your performance will be immortalised in a personalized video just for you. Share your achievement, from your average pace to your epic finish time, and everything in between. It's the ultimate way to commemorate your achievement! Keep an eye on your email after the race – your personalized story is on its way!
OFFICIAL MERCHANDISE
The official line of 2023 Malibu Half Marathon and 5K merchandise is here! Our running hats, and official hoodies are sure to sell out! Check out the latest styles and pre-order your favorites for pick-up at the Official Merchandise store in the Race Expo or in the Finish Festival on race day. Secure your size before they’re all gone!
FLEX YOUR vip status
If you have purchased the Charity Ticket, reached the first fundraising milestone, or purchased the Lounge access during registration, you're headed to experience Malibu as a VIP. Here are some things to look forward to:
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Unique
Running Bib
2 Beer
Tickets
vip / charity lounge
Refreshments
& Catering
Assisted
Stretching
sponsored by
Runner
Massages
sponsored by
Deluxe
Restrooms
Lounge seating
& Gear Check
sponsored by
Holistic
Treatments
sponsored by
The Charity/VIP lounge is open on Sunday between 5:00 am and 12:00 pm. The Half Marathon charity bib comes also with 2 beer tickets. The Beer Garden is open on Sunday between 8:00 am and 11:30 am (Bring your ID).
RACE FAQs
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