Why Runners Keep Coming Back to Malibu Moves

There are hundreds of races in Southern California. Most of them offer a medal, a finish line, and a parking headache. A few offer something more.

Malibu Moves is one of those few. Held every October at Zuma Beach, it is a two-day running festival spanning the Half Marathon, 10K, 5K, 1-Mile Zuma Dash, and 1K Kids Run. The course runs along Pacific Coast Highway with the mountains on one side and the ocean on the other. Saturday brings the Expo, Kids Zone, and Kids Run. Sunday delivers the main races followed by food, music, and a community celebration on the beach.

But what actually makes people come back? We asked 18 of our 2026 ambassadors that question. Their answers had less to do with the course and everything to do with what happens when you show up.

It Meets You Where You Are

Mandy runs with Crohn's disease. Some days she can run a marathon. Some days she can only walk. "Either way, I am showing up and proving to myself that I am strong and capable of moving," she says. "Malibu Moves feels meaningful for that same reason. It is not about doing it perfectly. It is about showing up in whatever way you can, and being part of something where everyone is moving together in their own way."

Michelle Williams, a runner of nearly 13 years, puts it simply: "Malibu Moves is the most inclusive race I've been a part of. A race designed to give every body a chance to move and strive for a distance."

Marce, a mother of children with special needs, echoes that: "Being part of Malibu Moves feels especially meaningful because of the inclusion this race brings. It creates a space where everyone belongs, where every pace is celebrated, and where community truly comes first."

It Is Built Around Community, Not Just Competition

Jonathan discovered running during COVID and found something bigger at local run clubs. When he runs Malibu Moves, he sees the same energy. "Being a part of Malibu Moves allows everyone to come together as one to enjoy a beautiful stretch of PCH that we all adore."

Elizabeth's motivation is rooted in the people around her. "There's something powerful about being surrounded by people who uplift, encourage, and celebrate each other at every stage of the journey. That sense of belonging and shared purpose is incredibly meaningful to me."

Sharon Sussman, a member of LA Leggers, values how the race creates space for every level. "It's a true community event that brings people together. Malibu Moves creates space for everyone, no matter their level, with distances ranging from a kids run to a half marathon."

The Course Gives You Something to Remember

Jalisa Marie is back for her third year as a Malibu Moves Ambassador and now serves as Ambassador Coordinator, leading the full team of 18. She knows the course well. "Embrace the challenge. There are hills, but the views are so worth it. What a privilege it is to get to push my body, and do it with some of the most gorgeous views."

Dr. Jessica, a running physical therapist and former D1 athlete, frames it differently: "Let it be an experience, not just a goal. Take a moment to look around, breathe in the ocean air, and appreciate what your body is doing for you. Those are the moments you'll remember most."

Giovanni, a nurse and ultramarathon runner, dedicates each mile to someone important. "Remember your why, and dedicate each mile to someone in your life. It will make it more meaningful."

It Proves That Starting Is the Hardest Part

Michael Knox was sedentary two years ago. His brother-in-law challenged him to train for a half marathon with one month to prepare. He alternated between walking and running during training, but on race day, he ran the entire distance without stopping for the first time in his life. "That moment showed me I was capable of much more than I ever imagined."

Ariana Laurenz Valera was told after two scoliosis surgeries that she would lose significant mobility. She started running to reconnect with her body. "What started as a way to slowly rebuild strength turned into something much bigger. Running became proof: proof that I'm stronger than I was told."

Diane Kale found running to manage osteoporosis and stay strong for her grandchildren. "When I found out that this was a movement and not a race, I was all in."

It Is About More Than a Finish Time

Moe survived a rare brain tumor, two brain surgeries, and a month in ICU in Germany before ever lacing up for a race. He has since run 10 marathons, maintained a daily 10,000-step streak for years, and once paced Malibu Moves in a full waffle costume. "Just being alive and thankful for what I have is enough to keep going."

Sharon Solares lives with cold urticaria. "It has taught me that while barriers may exist, they don't define what I'm capable of. That's why Malibu Moves feels so meaningful to me. It represents movement as something powerful, joyful, and worth celebrating."

Jennifer came back to running after five years to feel confident and inspire other parents, especially Latinas. Her race day approach says it all: "Race day is my runway."

It Gives Back to the Community That Hosts It

Malibu Moves raises funds for the Malibu Moves Community Impact Fund through the Move Together Association, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. The fund supports Malibu local schools and community organizations. The 2026 charity partners include the Malibu Education Foundation, Emily Shane Foundation, Girls on the Run of LA County, and the Sarah Shulze Foundation.

Jasmin Salcedo, returning for her third year, captures why that matters: "There's something really powerful about showing up not just for yourself, but for a cause and a community. Malibu Moves reminds me that every step has purpose."

Michael Knox shares the same values: "At its core we share the same values, and as a bonus it helps a wonderful community rebuild a part of what was lost."

Michelle Sandoval, a lifelong educator and founder of Active CV, sees the mission reflected in her own work: "Its commitment to local schools and fire recovery mirrors my lifelong career in education. I am so inspired by the intentionality and kindness this race leads with."

Find Your Reason

The 2026 Malibu Moves race weekend is October 24-25 at Zuma Beach, Malibu. The Half Marathon, 10K, 5K, 1-Mile Zuma Dash, and 1K Kids Run are all open for registration.

I Move For Malibu. What Do You Move For?

Register at malibumoves.com.