Reflecting on a Year of Community, Resilience, and Connection
As the year comes to a close, I’m feeling incredibly grateful for the journey we’ve shared through Malibu Moves. Malibu isn’t just a beautiful place; it’s a community full of amazing people who come together to move, connect, and support each other. This year has been full of challenges and incredible moments, and I wanted to take a moment to share my thoughts as we wrap up 2024.
A Challenging Year for Malibu
This year’s Franklin Fire, which burned over 4,000 acres of our coastline, was a stark reminder of how vulnerable our beautiful home can be. If you or anyone you know is currently affected by the fire, we send our love and prayers. Tune into local radio stations including 99.1 FM KBUU for updates. Visit malibucity.org and lacounty.gov/emergency for emergency information. Use the Watch Duty App for real-time fire tracking, and check the Genasys Evacuation Map for the latest evacuation zones. Resources for updates on the fire's status, evacuation shelters, and support services can be found online through trusted sources such as Cal Fire and the City of Malibu Emergency Services. But it also showed us how strong our community is. I’ve seen neighbors helping neighbors, firefighters working tirelessly, and people coming together in ways that remind me why Malibu is so special.
At Malibu Moves, we’ve always believed in the power of movement to bring people together and lift each other up. Watching this community’s resilience in action has been inspiring and has made me even more proud to be part of it.
Why Malibu Moves Matters
When I started Malibu Moves: 5K, 10K, Half Marathon & Kids Run, my goal was simple: to create a space where everyone feels welcome to move in a way that feels right for them. Whether you’re walking, running, or cheering from the sidelines, you’re part of what makes this event so special. This year, we’ve seen people cross their first finish line, push themselves to new limits, and just enjoy being out on the beautiful Pacific Coast Highway with friends and family.
I’m especially proud of our partnership with the Malibu Education Foundation. Together, we’ve been able to support athletic programs at local schools, and knowing that our work directly benefits kids in this community means so much to me. It’s one of the ways we can give back to a place that gives us so much.
Highlights from This Year
Some of my favorite moments this year happened at the starting line and finish line—the smiles, the high-fives, and the pure joy of being part of something bigger than ourselves. Seeing families making cheer signs together, friends running side by side, and strangers becoming friends reminds me why I love doing this.
This year, we also introduced new experiences like the VIP package and expanded our post-race festival. Watching participants relax in the VIP area, recharge with complimentary IV Drips, or get treatments after finishing their race was such a rewarding sight. It’s not just about the miles; it’s about the memories we create together.
Thank You for Being Part of It
Whether you joined us as a participant, volunteer, sponsor, or supporter, thank you for making Malibu Moves what it is. Every step you took, every dollar you raised, and every cheer you gave helped make this year unforgettable.
We hit some big milestones this year, including raising over $30,000 for charity. That money will go directly to programs that support kids in our community. Watching the impact we can make together has been one of the most fulfilling parts of this journey.
Looking Ahead
As we plan for 2025, I’m more excited than ever about what’s to come. We’re working on new ideas to make next year’s event even more special, and I hope you’ll be part of it. Whether it’s your first race or your tenth, there’s a place for you here.
Thank you for being part of this amazing community. Malibu Moves wouldn’t be what it is without you, and I’m so grateful for each and every one of you. Here’s to another year of moving, connecting, and making a difference together.
With gratitude,
Erica Segel Founder, Malibu Moves
