Hey all, I’m doing the Malibu tri in September and was hoping someone could give me some information regarding the course–hilly, flat, etc. Also, how are the tides early in the morning at that time of year? Any information would be welcome. Thanks.
Malibu? Seems cool…
post the website 
I eas there a few years ago…ocean swim was a little rougher than normal, bike is pretty flat and fast, run is completely flat. The bike course is sort of an out-n-back on PCH. The run is on the road/sidewalk adjacent to the beach, also an out-n-back.
Having done the race each of the last five years, here goes:
Swim-Don’t worry about the tides. The surf can vary from 1 to 2 feet w/occasional 3 foot swells, up to 3 to 4 w/ occasional 5’s. It’s usually on the smaller side that time of year. Out past the surfline, no waves, just normal ocean chop.
Bike-An out and back, about 1 mile south through the flat parking lot (watch out for the speed bumps), under the tunnel to PCH, north on PCH for about 8 miles (1 1/2 miles flat then big rollers/small climbs), turn around at Leo Carillo and head back.
Run-Flat. Out and back. Mostly along the concrete path between the parking lot and beach. near the turnaround, the concrete path ends, you run across a short (maybe 30 yard) patch of sand and drainage gully and onto a street for about a 1/2 mi, then turn around.
Jeff
Jeff, Thanks a lot for your information! I sincerely appreciate it. SoonerT
Malibu is triathlon gone Hollywood. Many stars? participate, primarily on relay teams. There are lots of “beautiful people” (women & men) participating and spectating. An attraction for many to say the least.
The awards take all day due to the umpteen categories. Last year, the swim was almost a mile (1/2 mile is correct) due to poor buoy placement. The run turnaround was also mislocated (a little long). You would think these things would be a slam dunk for a race that has been held for several years.
The swim can be tricky the currents flow to the south and the waves can be fairly big as previously stated.
Good luck!
“I am running away from myself just as fast as I can!”
Bob Dylan
Even more important hints:
The road under PCH may have water in it. Watch your speed because it’s also a turn.
Park as far away as possible or you will be stuck for over an hour just getting out of the lot. I’d park as close to the entrance as they allow (or not) and ride to the staging area.
Jessica Simpson’s hair couldn’t be more blond - I’m sure it’d fall out. Jennifer Garner is a camera slu… ham. I was walking behind the press taking incessant photos of her making ridiculous poses. I stopped and made a few poses myself, but I never saw the photos with me appear anywhere. Tom Arnold was great in ‘True Lies’ and a zero just about everywhere else - including this event.
OK, so I’m not impressed with the celebs. A fun race that I squeaked onto the podium for fifth (yes awards through fifth place) in my AG.
Go out and enjoy. Bring your sunglasses!
if you do park at the beginning of the parking lot, and decide to ride your bike to transition (wear your helmet), avoid riding near the curb. The sewer grates are the wheel killer kind, with slits cut length wise. Last year my g/f hit one of those in the dark, wento over the bars, off the curb and down a 2 foot drop on the other side. Amazingly all she had was a buised ego and a cut on her ankle.
The advice about the turn through the tunnel is important too, that area can be slick.
Last year I didn’t know who Jennifer Garner or Jennifer Simpson were so that didn’t mean anything to me, but after the race I saw William H. Macy standing around by himself so I went over and just started talking to him. Very down to earth guy. Turns out when he got up to go to the race that morning, he drove off with his gear bag on the roof of his car when leaving home. he had to borrow a buch of stuff to get through the race. I agree with the comments about Tom Arnold, it was neat having him there, but he was a dud on stage.
I’ll be back again this year, it was a fun event.