Photos: Racing Toward a Goal

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Participants in the 29th annual Nautica Malibu Triathlon race out of the water at Zuma Beach after a half-mile swim to complete an 18-mile bike ride and four-mile run.

Over the weekend, over 5,000 athletes competed in the 29th annual Nautica Malibu Triathlon. The three-part classic distance race, which took place on Sunday, included a half-mile ocean swim at Zuma Beach, an 18-mile bike course and a four-mile run, both on Pacific Coast Highway. The race was presented by Equinox.

Malibu resident and second time participant Chris Wizner shared that the most challenging part for him is the third leg of the race — the four-mile run.

“The most challenging part is the run because you’re so exhausted,” Wizner shared. “My foot was numb as I finished the bike ride. And not to mention, it’s really hot by that time of the day.”

First time participant Griffin Dyne, who grew up in Malibu, agreed with Wizner.

“I would say for me it was the run, mainly because it’s the last part of the race and your legs are tired from the bike ride and swim,” Dyne said. “Mainly it’s just putting all the different events together. Each one individually is doable, but when you throw them all together, that’s when it makes it a bit challenging.”

Wizner and Dyne both say they plan on participating in next year’s triathlon, which will be the 30th anniversary of the event.

“It truly makes competing that much more rewarding knowing that you are involved in helping the lives of so many young kids,” Dyne shared of his experience in this year’s race. “Whether you raised $100 or $10,000, I think everyone can cross the finish line knowing they were a part of something special.”

The event attracts support from many celebrities who competed in the race, including Katherine Kelly Lang, Colin Egglesfield, Chace Crawford, Jon Cryer and more. 

Jason Pederson was the overall winner of this year’s triathlon, completing the three portions of the race in 1:13:12.59. Kylie Matulick placed first in the female division with a time of 1:35.45.63.

The event raised over $1.3 million to benefit the Children’s Hospital Los Angeles’ Pediatric Cancer Research Program, which is focused on curing and preventing cancers in children around the globe.

Michael Epstein, head of Michael Epstein Sports Productions which coordinates the race, shared, “We would like to extend our thanks to the community for their continued support of the Nautica Malibu Triathlon presented by Equinox. It has been an amazing 29 years and we look forward to the 30th!”