Nautica Malibu Triathlon raises money to support cancer research
The 33rd Nautica Malibu Triathlon raised $1,352,603 million for Children's Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA) on Sunday, September 15th.
Thousands of participants including Scott Eastwood, Luke Hemsworth, Mark Feuerstein, Geoff Stults, Steve Howie, Bryan Grenberg, Demarco Morgan, Paul Lieberstein and many other celebrities and professional athletes gathered to compete at 6:30am at Zuma Beach in Malibu.
The triathlon was a two-day event that started on Saturday, September 14th for the inaugural long race and Olympic distance courses. The inaugural Long Course Race featured a 1.2-mile swim, 56-mile bike ride and 13.1-mile run, while the Olympic Distance Race included a 1.5k Pacific Ocean swim, 40k bike course along Pacific Coast Highway and 10k run course along Zuma Beach.
Andrew Talansky, who placed first in the Olympic Distance course, competed for the first time at the triathlon with a newborn, Sage, who was only born ten days ago. When asked about his preparation for the triathlon and his experience in Malibu, Talnsky said, “I tend to put four to six hours a day training and my experience at Malibu was perfect with no wind making the bike and run easier for me.”
Talnsky also said, “Blown away with how many people in Malibu and California embrace the active lifestyle.”
While Tanlansky competed alongside U.S. water polo team member and Olympian Brian Mann, as well as professional triathletes Pedro Gomes and Jim Lubinski.
During the triathalon’s second day on Sunday, September 15th, less experienced athletes were more equipped to succeed. Sunday featured the Classic Distance Race, which entailed a half-mile ocean swim, 17-mile bike course and four-mile run.
The race was comprised of the bulk of the triathalon’s competitors, along with celebrities such as Hemsworth. Known for his appearances on-screen in 2017’s Thor: Ragnarok and 2016’s Westworld, Hemsworth discussed his favorite part of participating.
“I love going fast down that big hill, while being a part of a great cause to help raise $1.3 million for CHLA,” he said.
Later Sunday evening, CBS Anchor Demarco Morgan participated at the triathlon for the first time.
Morgan said, “It's a great opportunity to get out and have fun. The Children's Hospital is a great place that provides amazing work for people.”
Actor Paul Liberstein, known for his role in The Office, said, “I had a great time competing and taking part in a great cause!”
The 33rd Nautica Malibu Triathlon helped support the Pediatric Cancer Research program at CHLA. The hospital focuses on discovering cures and safer, more effective treatments for childhood cancers.
This was the 23rd year that Nautica brand partnered as the Triathalon’s title sponsor. Executive produced by Micheal Epstein, the Triathlon has raised over $15 million benefiting cancer research programs at CHLA’s Children's Center for Cancer and Blood Diseases.