Malibu Moves, the only running event featuring a course within the city of Malibu, will return for a two-day running festival that starts and ends at Zuma Beach on Oct. 24 and 25.
As the event marks its third year, organizers have announced three new ways for participants to bring home more medals: the Coastal Quest Challenge, the California Double and the Zuma Legacy Club. Those interested in the half marathon, 10K, 5K, one-mile Zuma Dash or 1K Kids Run are encouraged to register soon, as the event is expected to sell out.
The Coastal Quest Challenge lets participants experience both days of the festival. Those who complete one distance on Saturday and one on Sunday will receive an additional medal on top of the two they earn for each day's event, along with two race shirts and unlimited access to the post-race beer garden on Sunday.
The California Double brings together two scenic Southern California runs in the spring and the fall. Participants who complete one distance at both the Mountains 2 Beach Marathon and Half and Malibu Moves in the same calendar year will be awarded an exclusive challenge medal at the Malibu Moves finish line, in addition to their finisher medals from each event.
Through the new Zuma Legacy Club, loyal runners who return in 2026 and in the years that follow can start a locally focused medal collection. With any distance counting toward club rewards and the ability to take a gap year between races, the medals will come together over six years of participation to spell "Malibu." Each medal holds a letter, with "M" available to those who participated in 2024 or 2025.
"These finisher medals are so much more than medallions and ribbons. They are the physical reminder of your accomplishments, your memories and the moments that brought you to the finish line," said Erica Segel, founder and race director of Malibu Moves. "Here, we care about those finish lines so much more than finish times."
Participation grew more than 60% from 2024 to 2025, and this year's 3,000-person field is expected to reach capacity across all distances. The event features five charity partners for 2026 and has donated more than $110,000 to local organizations in its first two years.
For more information, visit www.malibumoves.com and follow the event on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube.
Edited by SMDP Staff