The famous Malibu Triathlon and the third race in the Super League Triathlon Championship Series will both take place after all this weekend following a successful appeal.
A bizarre set of circumstances had combined to leave the events under threat after tidewater goby fish – which are protected under the Endangered Species Act – had made a habitat in a flooded underpass at Zuma Beach on what was part of the bike course.
A change of route was proposed but that initial application on 31 August was rejected by the city planning director as it required a minimum 32-day notice period for residents and businesses from when the permit is issued.
Super League, who organise both races, then appealed that decision but a split 2-2 vote (with one absentee) meant the technical decision to deny the permit stood.
That prompted a last-ditch appeal – which was heard on Monday night local time – and this time it was passed 4-0 (one abstention) by the city council shortly after midnight following a six-hour meeting.
Big fundraiser
The news means that the professional Super League race will take place as planned on Saturday and it features many of the favourites for medals at the Paris Olympics next year, including the reigning men’s champion Kristian Blummenfelt as well as a host of US stars including former world champion Katie Zaferes, who won a silver and bronze in Tokyo.
And the 38th renewal of the mass-participation Malibu Triathlon, which raises around $1million annually for cancer research at Los Angeles Children’s Hospital, runs alongside over the weekend.
That will see thousands take part and has attracted Hollywood stars such as Matthew McConaughey and Zac Efron during its long history.
Super League statement
A statement issued by Super League read: “We would like to thank Malibu City Council for working with us to ensure this weekend’s 38th edition of the Malibu Triathlon and Super League Triathlon Malibu can proceed as planned.
“We are fully focused on delivering an enjoyable and life-changing experience for so many athletes while also generating significant funds for Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA).
“We are proud to announce that we have already reached the $1 million fundraising mark for CHLA in 2023. This is an incredible achievement of which we are very proud and we hope to raise even more funds in the days, weeks and years to come.”
Triathlon’s mid-season report card: Tim Don on who’s raising the bar this triathlon race season
