There’s no doubt that the Malibu Half Marathon and 5K Run/Walk presented by Rusnak BMW has grown into one of the top races on the West Coast. Where else can you race along the ocean watching surfers and dolphins share the water while running the famed Pacific Coast Highway and celebrating with friends and family at renowned Zuma Beach?
No wonder Women’s Running Magazine called it a race “too gorgeous to be missed.”
Here are just a few more reasons why you should register to run the Malibu Half Marathon and 5K Run/Walk.
1: IT'S MALIBU!
There’s a reason this seaside enclave attracts millions of tourists each year, loads of celebrities and the merely wealthy. The area features some of the most stunning coastal views found in America and the world, really. Of course, the race is designed to take full advantage of what nature has to offer — 100% of the course takes place along Pacific Coast Highway, which hugs the coastline and allows runners to take in the blue ocean on one side and the gorgeous Santa Monica Mountains on the other.
2: ZUMA BEACH, BABY
One of the big changes that Erica made to the event was changing the course so it would start and end at Zuma Beach. Known for its wide stretches of clean sand and excellent surf, Zuma is one of the most popular beach spots in Southern California. For runners and their fans, the location is super convenient because Zuma is minutes from downtown Malibu and offers plenty of parking, so there’s no need to wait for a shuttle bus to get to the starting or finish line.
3: FAST AND FLAT (MOSTLY)
The previous race required runners to navigate quite a few hills. That’s not the case with the new Malibu Half Marathon. Starting and ending at Zuma Beach, the out-and-back course is mostly flat, with a gradual elevation climb to just 183 feet at its maximum. The other good news is that the second half of the race is pretty much all downhill, so this just might be the year that you post an Instagram-worthy PR selfie in the half.
4: THE PRE & POST RACE FESTIVITIES
Running is only part of the fun at the Malibu Half Marathon and 5K Run/Walk. At bib pick-up, loads of exhibitors will be on hand to entertain you. Come for yoga on the beach with Teddy McDonald from 5 Point Yoga in Malibu. See the latest innovative models from our Presenting Sponsor Rusnak BMW up close. Gear up at the New Balance Los Angeles pop up store and take a selfie at one of the three staged photo-op booths. After the race, join family and friends for music, live DJs, and a beer garden (100% of the proceeds go to the Boys & Girls Club of Malibu). Charity and VIP runners will enjoy their own private lounge, sponsored by Bright Event Rentals, featuring: dedicated gear check, deluxe restrooms, post-race massages and elevated legs, refreshments and catering from Whole Foods Market Malibu.
5: PERFECT RUNNING WEATHER
There’s another reason why people flock to Malibu — the weather. In early November, when some parts of the country may be already under their first snow of the season and everyone’s got their warm winter clothes out, it’s still sunny and warm in southern California. Average temperatures in Malibu at this time of the year are 57 to 74 degrees Fahrenheit. Combined with low humidity and little chance of rain, the weather alone makes this a destination race.
6: A WELL-RUN RUN
Erica MacVittie has spent the last four years as a race director and has made it her mission to improve the experience each and every year. In fact, she spends all year working with the city of Malibu and seeking out the best sponsors and vendors to put together what’s become known as one of the premier races on the West Coast. If it’s been a few years since you’ve run the Malibu Half Marathon and 5K Run/Walk, prepare yourself for an entirely new and wonderful event.
7: THE SOCIAL MISSION
Every year, a portion of the proceeds from the race goes to support the Boys & Girls Club of Malibu, which provides a safe place for children and teens to learn and grow. You can even get a Charity Ticket that includes a $75 donation to the BGCM and VIP benefits.
In fact, the Malibu Half Marathon and 5K Run/Walk is one of the biggest fundraisers annually for the community center. The Boys & Girls Club of Malibu was created in 1999 as a reaction to the tragic Columbine school shooting. The effort was led by a group of community members who recognized that many local kids don’t come from affluent backgrounds despite the area’s celebrity status.
8: MAKE IT A VACATION WEEKEND
Los Angeles is the metropolitan city of the moment right now. The city’s internationally recognized art scene is booming. The culinary world is looking at LA-based chefs for inspiration as they bring together flavors from all over the globe. Don’t forget the timeless beauty and sunshine of Southern California. Come to Malibu for the race and treat yourself to everything else that Los Angeles has to offer — even if you’re a local!
9: AVOID THE FOMO
For the past two years, the Malibu Half Marathon and 5K Run/Walk has completely sold out. That means if you don’t jump at the chance to sign up now, you’ll likely be watching the race from the sidelines — or from your Instagram feed — as your friends #runbeautiful.
Here’s another reason to snag a registration as soon as possible: Ticket prices steadily go up as we approach Race Day.
