Earlier this year, the Malibu City Council made the decision to award a race permit and contract to the Zuma Foundation, effectively replacing the longstanding Malibu Triathlon with a new event called the Zuma Beach Triathlon. This event was scheduled to take place on September 14-15, 2024.
However, the plans for this year’s event have now been canceled, with organizers aiming to resume the event in 2025. The Zuma Foundation released a statement to athletes explaining the decision, citing concerns for participant safety and the desire to deliver a world-class event for Malibu and its community.
The decision to postpone the Zuma Beach Triathlon was primarily influenced by ongoing construction and repair issues along Pacific Coast Highway, including delays in the completion of the Trancas Bridge project. These factors raised safety concerns for the thousands of athletes who train on the course leading up to the race.
The Zuma Foundation expressed its commitment to ensuring an exceptional triathlon experience by adjusting the timeline to accommodate ongoing repairs and construction, thus ensuring optimal course conditions and participant safety. The decision was made with the understanding that prioritizing athlete safety is paramount.
Michael Epstein, former race director of the Malibu Triathlon, leads the Zuma Foundation. The organization faced challenges during city council meetings, particularly in competition with Super League, which produced the Super League Triathlon Malibu from 2021-2023.
Despite Super League’s ownership of the Malibu Triathlon brand, the absence of a race permit from the city council led to the cessation of the Malibu Triathlon event, at least temporarily. With the cancellation of the 2024 event, it appears that triathlon racing in Malibu will be on hold until further notice.
