Sold-out weekend of running, giving, and gratitude brings Malibu together at Zuma Beach
With the Pacific Ocean as its backdrop, the IPS Malibu Moves: Half Marathon, 10K, 5K, 1-Mile & Kids Run presented by UCLA Health welcomed more than 2,000 participants, families, and volunteers to a sold-out weekend at Zuma Beach. The two-day event was about much more than running or walking — it celebrated Malibu’s resilience, wellness, and deep sense of community connection.
“This year exceeded everything I could have hoped for,” said Erica Segel, founder and race director of Malibu Moves.“We sold out, we raised so much money, and most importantly, people felt seen, celebrated, and part of something special. That’s what it’s all about.”
Now in its second year, Malibu Moves doubled in both participation and impact, raising more than $83,000 for local causes. The majority of funds will benefit the Malibu Education Foundation, the Emily Shane Foundation, and the Community Fire Brigade, with additional contributions supporting volunteer-driven organizations that helped power the event’s operations and community outreach.
“We’re incredibly grateful for Malibu Moves’ support,” said Keegan Gibbs, co-founder of the Community Fire Brigade.“It helps us stay prepared, stay equipped, and stay connected — because when the next emergency hits, our neighbors count on us.”
The weekend began on Saturday with the Zuma Dash and Kids Run, where families gathered on the sand for a day of play, fitness, and fun. The beach transformed into a lively Kids Zone with music and a Halloween costume contest that filled Zuma with color and laughter.
Sunday brought the Half Marathon, 10K, and 5K, turning the Pacific Coast Highway into one of California’s most scenic racecourses — lined with ocean views, enthusiastic volunteers, and cheering spectators.
While participants came from across the state, nearly 150 Malibu residents joined the start line, making them the second-largest group after Los Angeles. Mayor Marianne Riggins led by example, completing the Coastal Quest Challenge by running both the 1-Mile Zuma Dash and the 5K.
“Malibu Moves was born from a simple idea — that movement has the power to heal and unite,” said Segel. “Seeing thousands of people come together in the name of wellness, inclusion, and community gives us hope that we’re not just rebuilding Malibu — we’re reimagining it stronger than ever.”
Local athlete Patrick Renner claimed second place overall in the Half Marathon with a time of 1:17:12, while 14-year-old Atticus, one of Malibu’s youngest finishers, placed eighth overall and first in his age group in the 5K at 21:01, also completing the Coastal Quest Challenge. Other top finishers included Russell Yu of Alhambra, who won the Half Marathon in 1:14:02, and Elyissa Santos of North Hollywood, who finished first among women in 1:21:27. In the 10K, Levi Lorenzana of Santa Clarita took first place in 33:55, followed by Akiko Crawford of Tujunga in 47:11. The 5K winners were Dave Barnett of Pacific Palisades in 17:53 and Maddie Mooney of Eugene, Oregon, in 18:23.
Among the standout participants was “Baywatch” actor and Malibu resident David Chokachi, who completed the 5K while carrying a 45-pound ruck plate as part of his training to join the Community Fire Brigade, one of the event’s charity partners.
“I’m honored to take part in Malibu Moves and support the Fire Brigade’s mission of protecting our city,” said Chokachi.“Carrying the weighted ruck through the 5K symbolizes the strength and readiness our community shows every day. Malibu has been through so much, and seeing everyone come together with such determination and heart reminds us what resilience truly looks like.”
For Segel, the magic of Malibu Moves lies far beyond the race results. “I’ve seen so many first-timers this year —people who said, ‘I never thought I could do something like this,’” she said. “For many, this was a turning point after everything Malibu has faced — proof that they could still move forward, literally and emotionally.”
Segel emphasized that her team’s focus was on creating a welcoming, inclusive space. “From the beginning, I wanted to take away the intimidation factor of the word ‘race,’” she said. “We built this event around ‘movement’ — purpose over pace. Whether you walked a mile or ran a half marathon, you belonged.”
That philosophy was evident throughout the weekend. The final finisher received the event’s “Resilient Award,” with Pepperdine University’s cheerleaders leading an energetic celebration at the finish line to ensure that every participant, regardless of pace, crossed to cheers and applause.
“We truly believe the party’s in the back,” Segel said. “Those final finishers have often pushed the hardest. They deserve the same energy, if not more.” The sense of unity extended beyond the course. “The feedback I keep hearing is that people felt included and inspired,” Segel added. “And that’s the real victory.”
Saturday’s Kids Run captured the heart of the weekend. “There’s nothing as magical as the kids’ races,” Segel said. “They give everything they have, and their joy is so pure. You can see it on the parents’ faces — this sense of pride and amazement watching their kids accomplish something on their own.”
The family-friendly day featured games, crafts led by Pepperdine’s Center for the Arts, and activities designed to make fitness fun. “We don’t time the kids’ events on purpose,” Segel explained. “It’s not about speed — it’s about showing up, having fun, and realizing that movement is part of play.”
Next year, Segel plans to expand on the event’s Halloween theme. “We had a soft launch of a costume contest this year, and the creativity was amazing — kids came with handmade costumes, parents joined in, and I even ran in a lion outfit,” she said, laughing. “Next year, we’re definitely going to ‘spook up’ Saturday’s programming. It’s the perfect week for it.”
Behind the event’s flawless execution was a dedicated team that worked tirelessly to ensure a smooth, safe experience for participants and residents alike. “We know we’re borrowing a venue from our neighbors,” Segel said. “We plan carefully to minimize our footprint and always clean up afterward. Our goal is to make the community proud.”
That approach, along with strong partnerships, helped Malibu Moves run seamlessly. The event was supportedby International Protective Service, Inc. (IPS) as Title Sponsor, UCLA Health as Presenting Sponsor, and major partners including Rusnak Auto Group, SoCal Edison, Ventura Rental Party & Events, and The Malibu Times.
“Erica and her team did an exceptional job,” said Malibu resident Chris Wizner. “From logistics to safety to community outreach, everything was handled with professionalism and heart.”
At the Malibu City Council meeting following the event, Mayor Riggins and councilmembers praised Malibu Moves for uniting residents and lifting spirits. “They even suggested putting together a team for the city next year,” Segel said proudly. “That’s exactly what I dreamed of — this being our event, something every resident feels connected to.”
For Segel, who described the project as a “labor of love,” Malibu Moves represents both personal and collective renewal.“When I first started organizing races, it wasn’t about running — it was about the people,” she said. “The stories behind why they show up. Someone honoring a loved one. Someone taking charge of their health. Someone finding community after loss. That’s what keeps me going.”
She paused, reflecting on the past year’s challenges — fires, evacuations, red flag warnings, and the constant undercurrent of uncertainty. “Malibu can be a tough place to live,” she said. “We’ve had trauma, we’ve had loss. But we also have incredible beauty, both in the land and in the people. Events like this remind us why we choose to be here — and that together, we can find balance, hope, and joy again.”
As the sun set on Zuma Beach and the final medals were handed out, participants lingered at the post-race festival — enjoying live music, food trucks, a charity beer garden, and wellness experiences. Laughter mixed with ocean breeze, and for a moment, Malibu felt perfectly whole again.
“Malibu Moves is more than an event; it is a celebration of our community’s spirit,” said Karin Al-Hardan, president of the Malibu Education Foundation. “The funds raised will directly support our schools, teachers, and students who are the future of this city.”
Or as Segel put it simply, watching the last runner cross the finish line: “This is Malibu at its best — moving forward, together.”
