Zuma Beach Triathlon Brings Community Together and Raises Over $100,000 Through Sport

Mariah Wyckoff

The Malibu coastline set the stage for a powerful day of movement and giving back as athletes, corporate teams, volunteers, and supporters gathered for the Zuma Beach Triathlon. More than a race, the event demonstrated how sport can unite people around a shared purpose. 

CAF was proud to serve as the official charity partner of the Zuma Beach Triathlon Corporate Challenge, where local businesses and organizations came together through wellness, friendly competition, and collective impact. Together, participants raised over $100,000 to support athletes with physical disabilities, helping provide access to adaptive sports equipment, training, coaching, and opportunities that expand participation in sport.  

A team of women wearing medals and bright pink tops pose together on the beach at the Zuma Beach Triathlon, celebrating their race accomplishment with the ocean behind them.

Racing With Purpose Along the Coast 

Athletes of all levels took on the swim, bike, and run courses, from first-time triathletes to seasoned competitors. The iconic Zuma Beach setting created an unforgettable race environment, while the energy along the shoreline reflected the deeper meaning behind the day. 

Athletes with physical disabilities competed alongside the broader field, reinforcing the importance of access and opportunity in sport. Their presence highlighted what becomes possible when barriers are removed, and athletes are supported with the right resources. 

“The Zuma Beach Triathlon has always been about more than crossing the finish line,” said event founder Michael Epstein. “It’s about coming together as a community to uplift others and make a difference.” 

An athlete with a physical disability powers a handcycle along the course during the Zuma Beach Triathlon, wearing a helmet and sunglasses while competing on a closed roadway.

Corporate Challenge Builds Connection and Momentum 

A defining feature of this year’s event was the Zuma Beach Triathlon Corporate Challenge, presented by Pepperdine University. Corporate teams competed side by side while fundraising for CAF, adding another layer of teamwork and shared commitment to the race. 

By rallying around a common goal, participants demonstrated how wellness, connection, and philanthropy can intersect through sport. Their efforts were instrumental in surpassing the $100,000 fundraising milestone in support of athletes with physical disabilities. 

A group of athletes and supporters celebrate together at the Zuma Beach Triathlon finish area, smiling and posing for a photo after completing the race.

A Shared Commitment to Inclusion 

Celebrity participants, including Rob Riggle, Mark Feuerstein, Paul Lieberstein, David Denman, Genevieve Morton, Olympian Colleen Quigley, and professional golfer Kasia Kay, helped bring added visibility to the event’s mission and drew families and fans to the shoreline. 

“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. “At Zuma Beach, athletes of all abilities raced together, and the support from this community helps provide access to equipment, training, and opportunities that create a more inclusive world through sport.” 

Athletes and supporters stand on the awards podium at the Zuma Beach Triathlon, smiling and holding medals after the race in Malibu.

Beyond the Finish Line 

The day concluded with medals, personal milestones, and a shared sense of pride in what was accomplished together. 

The Zuma Beach Triathlon closed as more than a successful race. It stood as a powerful example of how sport can strengthen communities, expand access, and create opportunity long after the finish line. 

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