The Malibu Triathlon, in danger of cancellation due to a flooded underpass, an endangered fish, and concerns about public notification, will proceed as scheduled this weekend, thanks to a City Council vote on Tuesday morning.
After a lengthy meeting filled with comments from triathlon supporters, the Malibu City Council voted 4-0 to issue a permit for the two-day event on Saturday and Sunday, with the main race taking place on Sunday.
The 38th edition of the race, which combines running, swimming, and bicycling, had been planned and permitted for these dates. However, complications arose due to heavy winter rains.
The race course traditionally passed through a Zuma Beach undercrossing at Busch Drive, which is now flooded due to the recent rain. The flooded underpass now houses an endangered fish called the tidewater goby.
In the past, flooding issues were resolved by using a temporary bridge crossing. However, the U.S. Department of Fish and Wildlife prohibited the construction of such a structure due to the endangered fish’s presence.
As a result, race organizers had to alter the race route, necessitating a fresh review of the event’s city permit. Although organizers submitted a new permit application, the city planners deemed it submitted too late to meet the required 32-day public notice. Consequently, the city Planning Commission rejected the permit with a 2-2 deadlock vote, one member being absent, citing the public notice requirement.
Race organizers appealed to the City Council, which discussed the matter during a Monday night meeting, lasting until the early hours of Tuesday. Ultimately, council members acknowledged the notification issues but recognized the triathlon as a highly publicized annual event.
According to the race website, the event raises nearly $1 million annually for pediatric cancer research at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. It also attracts numerous celebrity participants, including Jennifer Lopez, Jennifer Garner, Matthew McConaughey, Ed Helms, Zac Efron, Robin Williams, Teri Hatcher, and Mario Lopez.
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