Topline:
The Malibu Triathlon will go ahead as planned this weekend. The Malibu City Council granted an appeal after a previous decision by the city’s planning commission put the event in jeopardy.
What happened: This year’s heavy rains flooded Malibu’s Zuma Beach underpass, which the triathlon organizers use as part of the bike route. Since the water was not drained, an endangered fish species, the tidewater goby, set up home there.
The triathlon organizers came up with an alternative course in late August but failed to inform residents in the area 32 days prior to the event, as required under Malibu law. About a week ago, the Planning Commission rejected an appeal by the organizers.
Council’s decision: After lengthy public comment and councilmembers’ discussion on whether it was the fault of the organizers or city staffers on informing the public on time, Councilmember Paul Grisanti moved to grant the organizers’ appeal calling the triathlon a good thing. The council approved the appeal 4-0.
Background: The Malibu Triathlon, in its 38th year, has always been held in Zuma Beach. It raises money for Children’s Hospital Los Angeles.
“We all know this event, it's been around for 38 years, hundreds of Malibu residents, thousands of weekend warriors, tons of celebrities and professional athletes and corporate teams all raising money for Children's Hospital Los Angeles,” said Malibu Triathlon race director Brennan Lindner at last night’s meeting. “We've raised $18 million to date and we just reached over 1 million last week.”
Lindner also said notice has been provided to residents via multiple mediums since the event was announced last November.
What’s next: The triathlon will take place this weekend with an alternative bike course. Organizers celebrated the councils’ decision on social media. Around 3,700 people are expected to take part.