Triathlon hits milestone in Malibu

This year the Malibu Triathlon turns 25, and athletes again push physical and mental boundaries in a grueling swimming, biking and running competition, all while raising a pile of money for Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. In each of the past two years, the event raised more than $1 million for the hospital’s pediatric cancer research program. Event organizers say they are close to hitting that mark again this year, and since their partnership began 5 years ago, almost $5 million has been raised.

There are two separate races this weekend. The first, on Saturday, September 17, is the Herbalife International Distance Race. It consists of a 1.5K swim, a 40K bike ride, and a 10K run. On Sunday, September 18, the main-event Classic Distance Race features a half-mile swim, an 18-mile bike ride, and a 4-mile run. Both races will be held against the backdrop of the Malibu coastline and some of the most scenic roads in the world, which may or may not offer consolation to the athletes slogging towards the finish line.

The 2011 field is full, so those who want to enter are going to have to wait for next year. However, spectators are welcome, and on Saturday, all comers can get a head start on 2012 at an ocean swim clinic, which starts at 10:30 a.m.

As if the sands and surf of Zuma Beach aren’t enough to bring folks out, fun and healthy activities have been planned by the event and its sponsors. Kaiser Permanente will offer free health screenings from its Mobile Health Van, and Paul Mitchell stylists will give haircuts for a $15 donation to the Challenged Athletes Foundation. Other sponsors will set up booths with their own products.

For kids, a “Fun Zone” will have airbrush artists, crafts, games and photo booths. There will also be a “Tot Trot,” where kids ages 7 and under can participate in a 50-yard or 100-yard dash to win medals, T-shirts and other prizes. Entry in the “Tot Trot” is $20, with all proceeds going to Children’s Hospital.

Of course, being in Malibu, the triathlon has attracted quite a few celebrities over the years, including Jennifer Lopez, Matthew McConaughey, Mario Lopez, Will Ferrell, and Robin Williams.  So far, confirmed for this year’s event are John Cryer of Two and a Half Men, Mark Feuerstein, Oscar Nuñez, and Chris Harrison, star of The Bachelorette and The Bachelor.

The Nautica Malibu Triathlon starts around 7 a.m. this Saturday and Sunday; see the online schedule for more details. Parking and travel details are also available via the website. For those who can’t make it out but still want to support Children’s Hospital’s pediatric cancer research, donations may be made in the name of participants.

Posted 9/14/11