Why the 3rd Annual Malibu Moves is shaping up to be the most meaningful yet
In just two years, Malibu Moves has grown from a bold idea into one of California’s most inspiring coastal endurance events. What started as a grassroots, women-owned small business with a deep love for community has become a destination experience that celebrates movement, connection, and impact along one of the most iconic coastlines in the world.
As we prepare for the third annual Malibu Moves on October 24–25, one thing feels clear: this is not a year people will want to sit out.
Two years in, and the impact already tells the story
In its first two annuals, Malibu Moves has donated over $110,000 to local charity partners, directly supporting Malibu schools and community recovery efforts. For a locally owned, women-founded event, that milestone is not taken lightly.
Every registration, every mile, and every volunteer shift has contributed to something bigger than a finish line. Malibu Moves was built on the belief that endurance events can be inclusive, mission-driven, and deeply rooted in place, and the community has shown up in ways that exceeded every expectation.
This is what makes Malibu Moves different. It’s not backed by a national conglomerate or designed to be copied and pasted into different cities. It’s built here, for Malibu, by a small team that lives and works in the community and reinvests back into it.
What made the first two annuals so special
Participants often describe Malibu Moves as more than an event. They talk about how it felt.
Running or walking 100% along the Pacific Coast Highway
Starting and finishing at Zuma Beach
Seeing families, first-timers, experienced athletes, walkers, and kids all sharing the same space
Experiencing a finish-line festival that feels celebratory, not rushed
Knowing that their participation directly supported local causes
From the inaugural year to the second annual, Malibu Moves didn’t just grow in numbers. It grew in confidence, clarity, and community connection, as very well captured by the Malibu Times article: ‘Malibu Moves unites the community in motion and spirit’. The feedback was consistent: this is the kind of event people want to come back to.
“Our children (ages 9 & 11) participated in the Malibu Moves Charity 5K and finished beaming with pride, discovering their own strength, perseverance, and sense of accomplishment. Events like Malibu Moves help instill in kids a lasting sense of community, purpose, and civic responsibility.”
Why the third annual matters more than ever
The third year is often a turning point for any small business. It’s where momentum meets sustainability, and where a vision becomes something lasting.
For Malibu Moves, the third annual represents:
A more refined, premium participant experience
Lessons learned from two successful years of production
A stronger charity impact model
A growing regional and out-of-state audience discovering Malibu Moves as a destination event
It’s also a year that reflects the reality of rising costs across California. Permits, safety services, labor, and production expenses continue to increase. Rather than cutting corners, the Malibu Moves team has made a conscious decision to protect the quality of the experience while remaining accessible through early registration and tiered pricing.
This means registering early is not just about saving money. It’s about being part of the event’s foundation and growth.
A premium experience, built with intention
Malibu Moves offers multiple distances, including a Half Marathon, 10K, 5K, a 1-Mile Zuma Dash, and a Kids Run, all designed to welcome participants of all abilities.
What defines the experience is not just distance, but intention:
Scenic, closed-road coastal routes
Thoughtfully designed event swag
A post-event festival atmosphere
Optional VIP and Coastal Quest experiences for those looking to elevate their weekend
A strong emphasis on inclusivity, not pace or performance
This is a premium event, but not an exclusive one. The goal has always been to create something special that feels worth traveling for, while still honoring the local community that makes it possible.
Founder Erica Segel awards first place female Half Marathon finisher with a handmade lei at the Malibu Moves finish line, celebrating achievement and community.
A grassroots, women-owned event with a big heart
Malibu Moves was founded as a women-owned, community-first small business, born from a belief that endurance events could be more inclusive, more intentional, and more connected to place — a story founder Erica Segel shared in a recent interview with Bold Journey.
Reaching over $115,000 donated in just two years is a milestone the team deeply cherishes. It’s a reminder that small businesses, when supported, can create outsized impact.
The third annual Malibu Moves is not about being the biggest. It’s about being meaningful, memorable, and sustainable.
Why people are choosing to register early
With tiered pricing that increases over time, early registrants are rewarded for commitment, not for chasing discounts. Many participants register early because they:
Want to lock in the best value
Feel connected to the mission
Don’t want to miss a coastal event that sells out distances
See Malibu Moves as an annual tradition worth prioritizing
As October approaches, pricing reflects the full scope of the experience. Early registration is simply the smartest way to be part of it.
Looking ahead to October
The Malibu coastline has a way of reminding people why they move, why they gather, and why community matters. This October, Malibu Moves returns for its third annual weekend on October 24 & 25, 2026, with more intention, more impact, and more heart than ever before.
If the first two years were any indication, the third annual is not just another event. It’s a milestone.
And it’s one you may not want to miss.
