LISA PORTER
Staff Writer
Anyone driving down Pacific Coast Highway on Sunday, from 7:15 a.m. until noon, might have wondered why half of the road was coned off for nine miles in front of Zuma Beach. Or why hundreds of cyclists were speeding along, easily passing cars stopped in traffic. It was the 2007 Nautica Malibu Triathlon presented by Toyota.
The Triathlon consisted of a half-mile swim along the shore of Zuma, an 18-mile bike course, and a four mile out-and-back run course. More than 3,200 competitors 14 and older, along with spectators, turned out to test their endurance in a grueling race that raised $718,000 for the Childrens Hospital Los Angeles Foundation, with some of the funds going to cancer research.
“It’s the first year we are benefiting,” said Claudia Looney, senior vice president of development at the hospital. Each year the proceeds of the event benefit a different organization, this year: the hospital. “Knowing everyday we can make progress to cure cancer is a great reward,” she added.
In the 26 years the triathlon has taken place, different philanthropies and organizations have benefited from the donations of big-time corporations such as Disney, Nautica and Nestle. They raise funds by recruiting celebrity competitors, sponsoring teams, and from athlete registration fees.
Near the start line, Brooke Dillman, actress from the movie “Superbad”, socialized with her relay teammates on Team Superbad, while gearing up for her leg of the triathlon: the four mile run. Three athletes compete together in the relay divisions with each taking a portion, or leg of the race: swim, bike or run.
“I’ll probably have regretted it [if I didn’t do it],” Dillman remarked about the triathlon as she leaned over the fence separating the throng of onlookers from the transition zone: where competitors change from wetsuit to cycling gear to running shoes.
“Oh god, the running’s started,” she said before returning her attention to the race.
The triathlon is nerve wracking, especially for people like Dillman, who are competing in a triathlon for the first time. It was also the first time for actor Eric Close (“Without a Trace”). His wife, Keri Close, and two daughters, Katie, 9, and Ella, 6, came out to support him as he completed the triathlon.
“It’s been pretty good. He’s anxious about the ocean swim, nervous about the waves,” says Keri, while her two girls scanned the course, searching for their dad. “It’s a good deal, but its still training and hard work.”
For many celebrities, the triathlon provides an alternative for staying in shape. Sponsors provide bikes and equipment for them in exchange for publicity.
Ella said that her favorite part of the process is watching her dad, as it is for many of the fans holding up homemade signs and banners for their loved ones.
Spectators were allowed to line the course or take a seat in the bleachers, which gave them a view of the ocean swim, transition zone and finish line.
While it was many competitors’ first triathlon, for others, it was one of many. David Ono, ABC7 Eyewitness News anchor, has competed in more than 100 triathlons, although Ono said he believes the Nautica Malibu Triathlon holds a bit more pressure since it’s a higher profile race.
“The best part of the day is when it’s over,” Ono said.
Ono took third and Close sixth in the Celebrity Men’s division: TV’s “Bachelor”, Andy Baldwin, took first. Team Superbad were champions of the Women’s Relay, Team Nautica defended the Men’s Relay title, and Team Amanda Beard won the Co-ed Relay. Herbalife won the corporate race, with Team Disney winning the Entertainment Industry Challenge. Amongst a slightly chaotic awards ceremony, Chris Foster of Thousand Oaks, Calif., (1:15:32) emerged followed by Anissa Sequin of Malibu, Calif., (1:30:06) to claim the Pro/Elite titles.
Among the competitors were Challenged Athletes, those competing with bionic legs, arms or missing a limb. At the finish line, steaming, wet, Challenged Athlete competitors smiled and joked as they basked in the high of triathlon completion.
“He got me by a nub,” joked Willie Stewart, smacking his arm “nub” to that of his friends. Both men were missing the lower half of one of their arms and referred to them as “nubs.” They also gave the best advice of the day.
“You got to get your feet wet…if it’s hard, slow down,” said Stewart, or “One Arm Willie” as he refers to himself. “Smile and you’ll be great.”
That positive attitude was reflected in all the faces out on the beach, whether competing or checking out the giveaways under the tents.
“I showed up and was really excited to see all the participants and the varying backgrounds they came from,” said Pepperdine freshman Owen Lloyd. “I want to do one now.”
That seemed to be the feeling blended in the Malibu Triathlon: fun, health and beneficial. Competitors and spectators walked away feeling accomplished and inspired.
“It’s my first time and certainly not my last,” Claudia Looney, senior vice president of the hospital, said before issuing a challenge. “Next year we’d better have a Pepperdine team competing.”
09-20-2007
