The Malibu Half Marathon & 5K is to return Sunday, Nov. 6, with a beachside course that is flat, fast and fun, from start to finish.
Nearly 2,000 runners are expected to soak up spectacular views of waves crashing on the shoreline, surfers and sunbathers in the water, rocky bluffs, and golden hills.
In its eighth year, this event is a rare opportunity to run the storied Pacific Coast Highway along the beach without fighting cars or traffic.
This year’s running features premium partners who are elevating the Malibu Half into one of the best races on the West Coast: lululemon, Saje Wellness, Rusnak BMW, Klean LA and Ekiden coaching.
Yoga and running apparel brand lululemon will lead training runs at its Malibu and Calabasas stores. lululemon also is to host the Malibu Half’s packet pickup events, scheduled for the two days before the race.
Founded 20 years ago in Canada, Saje Wellness is dedicated to connecting people to the healing power of plants through 100 percent natural products that detoxify and rejuvenate the body. Saje is to provide special athlete recovery aromatherapy packages to every runner who finishes the Malibu Half. Saje also is to host the post-race Wellness Pavillion and recovery zone. It is to open new stores in Valencia and Malibu later this year.
The event’s official vehicle partner is Rusnak BMW in Westlake. Lead vehicles will be the all-electric BMW i3 and hybrid i8 cars. Runners will have an opportunity to see these cars up close at the finish line and at packet pickup.
Premium meal delivery service Klean LA has designed a special menu for runners training for the Malibu Half. The meals feature local, sustainable and organic ingredients. Klean LA will also is to host the juice garden at the finish line of the Malibu Half.
New online coaching service Ekiden believes every athlete deserves a great coach — someone who takes the guesswork out of training, keeps runners accountable and inspires clients to achieve their biggest goals. Ekiden has designed a specific half marathon coaching plan for Malibu Half runners.
The Malibu Half Marathon & 5K – The half marathon and 5K courses both start and end just north of Point Mugu beach, offering participants a beautiful out-and-back route along the pristine northern Malibu coastline. From the starting line, the course proceeds south, passing Mugu Rock, one of the most distinctive landmarks on PCH and a cinematic backdrop for numerous films and TV commercials. After making the turnaround (just north of Neptune’s Net restaurant for half-marathoners), runners head back up the coast to the finish line. With no significant hills, this course is perfect for anyone looking to attempt a personal record — or just looking for a gorgeous, well-organized event.