13th Annual Malibu Half Marathon, 5K Run/Walk & Kids’ Run Celebrates a Successful Comeback
Updated: Nov 19, 2021
Malibu, CA (November 13 & 14, 2021) — The 13th Annual Malibu Half Marathon, 5K Run/Walk & Kids’ Fun Run presented by Rusnak BMW sells out for the fourth year in a row raising over $46,000.00 for it’s charity partners Boys & Girls Club of Malibu and Girls On The Run Los Angeles.
The 5K and Kids’ Fun Run took place on Saturday, Nov. 13th, while runners for the half marathon started the following morning on Sunday, Nov. 14th. The event took place at famed Zuma Beach, Malibu with runners and walkers tackling the course along the Pacific Coast Highway.
Malibu resident Rob Mohr took the first-place podium for the half marathon with a finish time of 1:12:42. Beatriz Garcia won first place in the women’s half marathon division with a chip time of 1:22:15.
“One of the highlights of the weekend was our first inaugural ½K Kids’ Fun Run,” said race director Erica Segel. “There’s something magical about seeing kids age 4 to 10 years old discover how empowering it is to accomplish something and earn a medal all by themselves.”
“Another moment of inspiration was seeing Cynthia Reyes push her disabled brother Pedro along the 5K course. They crossed the finish line with a chip time of 29:33. Pedro’s smile after the race is something I never want to forget” Erica added.
Malibu Mayor Paul Grisanti and Council member Mikke Pierson opened the half marathon ceremonies on Sunday representing the Malibu community. California Senator Henry Stern regretted not being able to attend in person and sent a heartfelt video. “I just want to thank everyone who helped raise money for Boys & Girls Club of Malibu and Girls On The Run Los Angeles” Senator Stern said. “Boys & Girls Club is so near and dear to my heart and Kasey Ernest, Siugen Constanza and the all team there are truly angels taking care of many kids who struggle.”
The Malibu Half Marathon and 5K Run/Walk would not be possible without the support of the city and the county, including local law enforcement, and the hundreds of volunteers who helped staff the pre- and post-race events, and the water stations along the 13.1-mile course starting and ending at Zuma Beach.
“Our volunteers were amazing. We would also like to thank our generous sponsors: Rusnak BMW, Pepperdine’s Graziadio School of Business and Management, Bright Event Rentals and Qure Water” Erica said. “Together, we were able to put on one of the best running events on the West Coast and raise over $46,000 for amazing causes. Coming after what we all endured during the pandemic, it was a memorable experience being able to socialize in person again and to reconnect with each other as a community”.