Transparency Item: The Perspectives section of the Graphic is comprised of articles based on opinion. This is the opinion and perspective of the writer.
Running is my favorite way to exercise and unwind in nature. When I moved to Malibu for college, I made it a goal to try as many different, local running trails as I could.
For junior Cross-Country runner Eden Mittelsdorf, finding ideal running locations for her training is a necessity.
Jennifer Davis, 2023 Los Angeles Marathon finisher and Pepperdine alumna (’22) also relied on Malibu trails and paths during her training, she wrote in an email to the Graphic on Oct. 3.
Here are their favorite places to both train and run for fun.
Zuma Beach
Mittlesdorf said her top running spot is Zuma Beach.
“This one is just amazing for views and the ocean breeze while you are running,” Mittelsdorf said.
Zuma can get quite busy during the daytime and on the weekends, so it is best for an early morning run, Mittelsdorf said. She loves Zuma because it is a rare path in Malibu that stays completely flat for a few miles.
“It is my personal favorite because I am from Tennessee, where you do not get to run next to the beach every day,” Mittlesdorf said.
Zuma Beach is best for interval, easy or short runs since it is flat and has a beautiful ocean view, Davis wrote.
Personally, Zuma is my favorite in the early morning because it is peaceful and beautiful.
Keep in mind: Mittelsdorf said that it is best to park along PCH because the parking lot is expensive.
Malibu Road
Malibu Road is simple to get to from campus. It is popular among Pepperdine students and boasts hundreds of beautiful Malibu homes.
“I love looking at all of the houses and seeing friends along the way,” Mittelsdorf said.
Out and back, Malibu Road totals just about five miles, beginning at Ralphs grocery store. After Davis runs Malibu Road, she wrote she likes to jump in the ocean or hang out at the beach.
She likes Malibu Road because of its easy access to the beach and campus, Davis wrote.
Personally, I love Malibu Road because I love looking at the unique designs of each house.
Keep in mind: Mittelsdorf said Malibu Road often has a lot of construction.
Malibu Creek State Park
About ten minutes through Malibu Canyon, Malibu Creek State Park is beautiful.
Mittelsdorf loves this trail because of its amazing views of the creek and mountains, she said. Because this spot is right in the Santa Monica Mountains, it has an incline and can be tricky for beginner runners.
This spot is number one on my personal bucket list of places I want to try to run.
Keep in mind: Mittelsdorf said this spot is very hilly.
Chesebro Canyon
Mittelsdorf recommends this route in the mornings.
“You go through several different biomes when running here,” Mittelsdorf said.
Mittelsdorf said it is great for when she wants a variety of different scenes on one run.
Keep in mind: This trail is a 25-minute drive from Pepperdine’s Malibu campus, according to Google Maps.
Broad Beach
Davis recommends Broad Beach as best for easy, short runs with a slight incline. This spot is in Point Dume, just over ten minutes from campus.
I love Broad because it is right across from Vintage Grocers, the perfect place to pick up breakfast after a run.
Keep in mind: Mittelsdorf said she likes Broad Beach because of its proximity to the water.
De Anza Park
This spot is also part of Malibu Creek but farther through Malibu Canyon than the state park trail. Mittelsdorf likes this trail because she appreciates the hill work and usually heads over to Erewhon after her run for a smoothie.
Keep in mind: This route starts residential and then heads into nature, Mittelsdorf said.
Sycamore Campground
Sycamore Campground is Mittelsdorf’s favorite spot for a long run. It starts right on the coast but heads into the canyon. This run is very flat and fast.
Keep in mind: Mittelsdorf said she likes this trail because, like Chesebro Canyon, this route has many different terrains.
Pepperdine Track
Both Mittelsdorf and Davis agree that the Pepperdine track is also useful in training. In addition to its beautiful views of the ocean and mountains, the track is best for interval training and makes it easy to track distance.
I think the track is great because it is easy to get to if I am on campus for class.
Keep in mind: Davis wrote the track is occasionally closed for athletic team practices.
It can seem difficult to find the ideal running spot for each person’s individual needs, but Mittelsdorf and Davis have Malibu students and locals covered.
_________________________________
Follow the Graphic on Twitter @PeppGraphic
Email Kylie Kowalski: kylie.kowalski@pepperdine.edu
