Malibu, CA (November 6, 2019) — The Malibu Half Marathon and 5K Run/Walk presented by Rusnak BMW raised over $53,000 for the Boys and Girls Club of Malibu in its 11th running along the famed Pacific Coast Highway on Sunday, November 3.
Selling out for the third year in a row, the event attracted thousands of runners from across the country and the world. Collectively, they raised the Malibu Half Marathon’s biggest donation ever for its chosen charity. Much of this came from a record number of participants who joined the Run for Charity program, which also gave them access to the VIP/Charity Lounge at the finish line.
“The Malibu Half Marathon is all about building community, so I’m beyond thrilled that we are able to support the Boys and Girls Club of Malibu in such a big way this year,” said Race Director Erica Segel. “This event showcases not just the beauty of Malibu that’s known worldwide, but also the generosity of our runners and our volunteers. To watch the community come together like this a year after the heartbreaking Woolsey Fire is just really special.”
Although large brush fires had broken out near Malibu just days before the race, the gorgeous fall morning was untouched by smoke or fire, and the race went off without a hitch.
Ken Rideout took the first-place podium for the second time with a finish of 1:13:26. Malibu resident Emily Gallin, a 35-year-old mother of three, won first place in the women’s division with a chip time of 1:21:35.
This year, there was a huge surprise waiting at the finish line for one runner: Jeff Sullivan proposed to his stunned fiancé, Laura Cepeda, at the finish line of the half marathon, as hundreds of spectators, family and friends cheered the happy couple.
Malibu Mayor Karen Farrer, Malibu Mayor Pro Tem Mikke Pierson, and Tessa Charnofsky, District Director for Los Angeles County Supervisor Sheila Kuehl, opened the ceremonies at the start line and sixteen-year-old Malibu resident Trinity Rose Drummond helped kick off the event by singing the national anthem.
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 staffed 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, New Balance Los Angeles, Pepperdine’s Graziadio School of Business and Management, Veritas Farms, Bright Event Rentals and KIND Snacks” Segel said. “Together, we were able to put on one of the best half marathon races in the country and raise over $53,000 for an amazing cause. I couldn’t be more happy with this year’s turnout.”