Athletes, families, and celebrities united at Zuma Beach to support the Challenged Athletes Foundation and Boys & Girls Club of Malibu
Against the stunning backdrop of the Pacific Ocean, the Zuma Beach Triathlon returned to Malibu on Sunday, Sept. 14, transforming the iconic shoreline into a vibrant hub of athleticism, community spirit, and philanthropy. The event, which drew thousands of athletes, spectators, and volunteers, raised over $150,000 for two impactful organizations — the Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF), which empowers athletes with physical challenges through adaptive sports equipment and opportunities, and the Boys & Girls Club of Malibu, offering vital after-school programs, mental health services, and long-term support for survivors of the Franklin and Palisades fires. More than a race, the triathlon was a testament to the power of sport to uplift lives and foster unity in a community that has endured significant challenges in recent years.
The weekend kicked off on Saturday with the inaugural Kids’ Triathlon, a sold-out event that saw young athletes aged 9 to 14 take on the challenge with enthusiasm. The younger group, ages 9 to 11, tackled a 100-yard swim, a three-mile bike ride, and a half-mile run, while the 12- to 14-year-olds completed a 200-yard swim, a six-mile bike ride, and a one-mile run. Parents had the option to join their children in a relay format, adding to the family-oriented atmosphere. “It was a great, inspiring event with a ton of young kids and families,” said Austin Ruth Noonan, a representative of the triathlon. “Seeing the kids race individually was very neat.” The event’s success set an uplifting tone for the weekend, with high-resolution photos of the young competitors expected to be available soon, capturing their determination and joy.
Sunday’s main event welcomed athletes of all levels, from first-time triathletes to seasoned competitors, each united by a shared commitment to the causes supported by the race. The triathlon’s spirit was perhaps most vividly embodied by the challenged athletes, whose perseverance inspired participants and spectators alike. “At CAF, we believe sport has the power to transform lives,” said Bob Babbitt, Co-Founder and Board Vice President of the Challenged Athletes Foundation. “Today, that belief was brought to life at Zuma Beach as athletes of all abilities raced side by side. The support from this event helps provide adaptive equipment, training, and opportunities that open doors for athletes with physical challenges.”
This year’s triathlon introduced the Corporate Challenge, presented by Pepperdine University, which encouraged local businesses and organizations to form teams and compete while fundraising for CAF. The initiative was a resounding success, raising over $100,000 for the foundation. “Pepperdine was really happy to partner with the Zuma Beach Triathlon,” said Heidi Bernard, Director of Community Engagement at Pepperdine University. “We sponsored the VIP lounge and hosted the post-race brunch, coming alongside the Corporate Challenge to support the Challenged Athletes Foundation and the Boys & Girls Club of Malibu.” The VIP lounge, catered by Bon Appétit, provided a space for corporate teams, celebrities, and elite athletes to celebrate their achievements, fostering a sense of camaraderie and shared purpose.
Adding star power to the event, celebrities and notable athletes joined the field, drawing attention to the triathlon’s mission. Participants included Rob Riggle (The Daily Show, The Hangover), David Chokachi (Baywatch), Mark Feuerstein (Royal Pains), Paul Lieberstein and David Denman (The Office), Genevieve Morton (Sports Illustrated model), Olympian Colleen Quigley, and professional golfer Kasia Kay. Their involvement amplified the event’s visibility, bringing fans to Zuma Beach to cheer alongside families and community members. Among the challenged athletes, Rob Balucas and Pepperdine alumnus Aaron Jasper participated in relays, exemplifying the inclusive spirit of the race. “It was very in sync with our mission of being involved with the community and serving others,” Bernard noted.
The Zuma Foundation further bolstered the event’s impact with a $50,000 donation to the Boys & Girls Club of Malibu, supporting programs that provide mentorship, education, and disaster recovery services. “The Zuma Beach Triathlon has always been about more than crossing the finish line,” said Michael Epstein, founder of the triathlon. “It’s about coming together as a community to uplift others. This year’s event showcased the incredible spirit of our athletes, volunteers, and partners, all rallying to make a difference.”
Malibu Mayor Marianne Riggins praised the event’s organization and community impact. “It was a fabulous event,” she said. “The kids’ day on Saturday was very well attended, and a lot of Malibu kids participated. Sunday’s race was well-run, and it was great to see all the athletes back on Zuma Beach.” Despite a turnout slightly lower than historical numbers — likely due to the community’s recent challenges, including the lingering effects of the wildfires — Riggins emphasized the event’s significance. “Having something back that has been historically a fun event was a little bit of coming home,” she said, noting the professionalism of Epstein’s team and the contributions of volunteers and first responders, including Los Angeles Sheriff Malibu Liason Sergeant Chris Soderlund, who competed in the race.
The weather, though overcast, proved ideal for the athletes, keeping temperatures cool during the competition. As the morning progressed, the sun broke through just as medals were awarded and checks were presented, casting a symbolic ray of light on the day’s achievements. “It was like this ray of sunshine coming through just to honor everybody,” Riggins remarked.
The triathlon’s return to Malibu marked a significant moment for a community that has faced adversity in recent years. “The triathlon spirit being back in Malibu is a big deal,” Noonan said. “There’s always been a world-renowned triathlon here, and it stopped for a few years. After everything the community has gone through — COVID, the fires — just having it back and seeing the huge community draw is exciting.” The event not only celebrated athletic achievement but also reinforced Malibu’s resilience and commitment to supporting its most vulnerable members.
Pepperdine’s involvement underscored the university’s dedication to community engagement. “We want Pepperdine to be present in the community,” Bernard explained. “The mission of the Zuma Tri to help the Boys & Girls Club of Malibu and the Challenged Athletes Foundation aligns with our values of excellence and service.” The university’s sponsorship of the VIP lounge and post-race brunch fostered connections among participants, from corporate teams to challenged athletes, creating lasting memories of a day defined by unity and purpose.
As the event concluded, the collective sense of pride was palpable. Athletes crossed the finish line, medals were awarded, and the community celebrated raising over $150,000 to fuel programs that empower through sport and mentorship. The Zuma Beach Triathlon was more than a race — it was a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when a community comes together. “The real victory was seeing our community unite to celebrate resilience, wellness, and the spirit of giving back,” Epstein said. “We are excited to continue this tradition year after year.”
