Strike That, Reverse It — Malibu Re-Opening Race RFP

June 3, 2024

In January of this year, the Council awarded the sole triathlon permit available in the city to the Zuma Foundation, headed by former race director Michael Epstein. This was over the objections of Malibu Triathlon IP holders supertri, who had acquired the event from Motiv Sports (who had bought it from Epstein) and produced over the past few years.

On May 28th, the City Council met to discuss their options regarding the event. Representatives of both supertri and the Zuma Foundation spoke. supertri’s comments were on the long-term tradition of the race, the relationship with Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, and a minimum annual donation of $100,000 to Malibu based charities. supertri also offered the ability to produce a smaller-scale event in 2024. Meanwhile, the Zuma Foundation’s comments were pointed at the ongoing construction on the Pacific Coast Highway and assorted bridges and overpasses, and that the event must not take place until 2025. Slowtwich