The Malibu Half Marathon & 5K returns on Sunday, November 6th, 2016. Nearly 2,000 runners will soak up spectacular views of waves crashing on the shoreline, surfers and sunbathers in the water, rocky bluffs and golden hills. In its 8th 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 event features runners from 32 states and countries as far away as
Japan, Finland, and Brazil. Among them will be Formula One World Champion
Jenson Button, a fast runner in his own right. Toeing the line in the half
marathon, the event is a once-a-year chance for him to enjoy California’s
beaches while training for a grueling Formula One season. He hit a personal best
at the 2015 London Marathon in 2:52:30.
“I’m looking forward to the Malibu Half Marathon this Sunday,” Button says. “It’s
pretty awesome to be able to run the Malibu coastline.”
Yoga and running apparel brand lululemon will host packet pick-up at its
Calabasas (Friday) and Malibu (Saturday) stores before Sunday’s race. These
events will offer a mystery gift card to every runner. Saje Wellness, with 100%
natural remedies and skincare, is also creating a pop-up store at these locations.
New this year, the weekend features a unique Finish Line Festival after the
race. While listening to music from DJ Bella Fiasco, runners will enjoy recovery
and stretching areas hosted by Saje Wellness, lululemon, and larabar. TheBU
Kombucha will host a kombucha bar, and Klean LA meal delivery will serve up a
custom formulated post-race recovery juice. Rusnak BMW dealership will provide
the lead vehicle for the race, as well as showcase the innovative hybrid i3 and i8
vehicles at the finish.
Malibu Half Marathon partner and race director Erica MacVittie says the
combination of a beautiful route on the coastline and a premium race experience
have doubled participation in this year’s event from 2015.
“When you put together the irresistible allure of Malibu, a flat, fast route, and all
the great runner benefits, you can see how attractive the race is,” MacVittie says.
“On top of that, we’re raising money and awareness for the Boys & Girls Club of
Malibu and supporting the local community.”
About 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 running event.
