Frequently Asked Questions

General FAQs

WHAT IS THE MIN. AGE REQUIREMENT?

The minimum age requirement to participate in the adult races is 14 years old.

IS THE COURSE USAT CERTIFIED?

Yes

WHAT IS THE USAT FEE?

The Zuma Beach Triathlon is a USA Triathlon Sanctioned event. This fee is waived for all USAT members. If you are not a USAT member you will be required to purchase a 1-day USAT pass. For more information on USAT sanctioned events please visit the USA Triathlon site HERE.

IS THIS EVENT COMPATIBLE FOR HANDCYCLE OR WHEELCHAIR PARTICIPANTS?

Yes

WHAT DO I RECEIVE WITH MY REGISTRATION?

Finisher Medal, T-Shirt, Swim Cap, Timing Chip, Bike number, Bib number, and wristband.

WHAT IS THE REFUND POLICY?

All entry fees are non-refundable. Athletes are eligible to defer their registration to the 2026 race up to 45 days prior to the race day, subject to a $30 deferral fee. Requests should be made by email to zuma@pttiming.com. If any additional purchases were made at registration, including the USAT one-day fee, these items will not be deferred with your entry.   

CAN I TRANSFER MY INDIVIDUAL ENTRY TO ANOTHER PERSON?

You may not give or sell your number to anyone else. However, bib transfers are allowed for an administrative fee of $30 and must be processed by the Athlete Services team. Please email your request to zuma@pttiming.com

HOW CAN I VOLUNTEER?

Thank you for your interest! Please email us at info@zumafoundation.org and we will contact you shortly.

WHAT IS THE EXPECTED WATER TEMPERATURE?

The water temperature is usually 65-69 degrees.

DO I NEED TO WEAR A WETSUIT?

Wetsuits are not required, but most people choose to race in them. 

WHAT EMERGENCY WATER SUPPORT WILL BE PROVIDED?

LA County Lifeguards will be present at all times during races.

HOW DO I REGISTER FOR A SWIM CLINIC SESSION?

Swim Clinics are offered to athletes who raise or donate at least $350 for the Challenged Athletes Foundation. Please contact jennifer@challengedatheletes.com to proceed. 

ARE THERE ANY SUGGESTED SPECTATOR LOCATIONS?

Spectators are encouraged to watch head to the main event site at Zuma Beach to watch the weekend of events. The best locations are near the transition area, where the event takes place. Due to limited parking, spectators should park at Point Dume parking lot or Malibu High School.

WILL THERE BE AN AWARDS CEREMONY?

Yes! Check back for detailed race weekend schedule.

IF THE EVENT IS SOLD OUT, CAN I BE PUT ON A WAIT LIST?

No we don’t maintain a waitlist – entries are very limited and events will sell out

I CAN BIKE AND RUN, BUT I’M NERVOUS ABOUT THE OCEAN SWIMMING.

We will be holding Fundraising Swim Clinics for those who raise over $350 for Challenged Athletes Foundation.
Please reach out to info@zumafoundation.org if you’d like to create your fundraising page or make a donation!

WHAT SHOULD I BRING WITH ME ON RACE DAY?

Your wetsuit (if you plan on wearing one), Goggles, A bright colored towel (this will make it easier for you to find your bike in the transition area), Helmet, Sunglasses, Cycling shoes (if you wear them), Water bottle (there will be water in the expo and as you cross the finish line as well), Running Shoes, Sunscreen a Change of clothes for after the race

WHERE CAN I PARK ON RACE DAY?

The majority of parking will take place at the Zuma Beach parking lots – check back for detailed parking information to be posted later this summer.

 

Triathlon Rules

SWIM COURSE RULES

Each age group participant shall be permitted to wear a wetsuit without penalty in any event sanctioned by USA Triathlon up to and including a water temperature of 78 degrees Fahrenheit. When the water temperature is greater than 78 degrees, but less than 84 degrees Fahrenheit, age group participants may wear a wetsuit at their own discretion, provided however that participants who wear a wet suit within this temperature range shall not be eligible for prizes or awards. Age group participants shall not wear wet suits in water temperatures equal to or greater than 84 degrees Fahrenheit.

The wetsuit policy for elite athletes shall be determined by the USAT
Athletes Advisory Council. The AAC has set the wetsuit maximum temperature for elite/pros at 68 degrees for swim distances less than 3000 meters and 71.6 degrees for distances of 3000 meters or greater.
Any swimmer wearing a wetsuit with a thickness measured in any part greater than 5 millimeters shall be disqualified.

  • Wearing swim goggles or a face mask is recommended, but optional
  • No fins, paddles, or flotation devices of any kind allowed
  • Timing Chips must be properly affixed on your ankle
  • Swimmers are required to stay on course, swim clockwise and keep turn buoys on their right. Failure to do so may result in disqualification.
  • If you require assistance in the swim, you may hold on to any kayak as long as you do not make forward progress.
  • A swimmer experiencing difficulty and in need of assistance shall raise an arm overhead, and pump it up and down, and call or seek assistance.
  • No swimmer shall return to the race if the official rendering assistance requests that the participant withdraw from the race or receive medical assistance
  • Each swimmer must wear the colored swim cap provided by race management

BIKE COURSE RULES

  • Absolutely NO DRAFTING of another bike or any other vehicle is allowed.
  • Ride on the right side of your lane unless directed otherwise by race management/officials.
  • Keep three bike lengths between yourself and the cyclist in front of you.
  • Pass on the left of the cyclist in front, never on the right.
  • Complete your pass within 15 seconds.
  • If passed, you must drop completely out of the zone, to the rear, before attempting to re-pass.
  • All bicycles shall be propelled only by human force and human power. Any violation of this section shall result in disqualification.
  • The sole responsibility of knowing and following the prescribed cycling course rests with each participant. No adjustments in times or results shall be made for participants who fail to follow the proper course for any reason whatsoever.
  • Athletes must obey all traffic laws while on the cycling course unless otherwise specifically directed by an official, race monitor, or designee with actual authority. Failure to do so may result in disqualification.
  • No athlete shall endanger himself or another athlete. Athletes who intentionally present a danger to any athlete or who, in the judgment of the Head Referee, appear to present a danger to any athlete may be disqualified.
  • A CPSC-approved helmet is required during the entire bike portion, including in and out of transition. Athletes riding without an approved helmet or chinstrap not fastened may be disqualified. Alterations to a hard-shell helmet, which affect its integrity, are not allowed.
  • Do not litter. Any item that needs to be discarded, including but not limited to water bottles, gel wrappers, energy bar wrappers, broken bike parts, or clothing items, may only be discarded in the trash drop zones at each aid station. Discarding any item outside of the trash drop zones will result in a penalty. Please keep California clean!
  • Headphones or headsets which are inserted in or covering the ears are not allowed during any portion of the event.

RUN COURSE RULES

All athletes are required to wear race numbers at all times during the run:

  • Numbers clearly visible at all times
  • Numbers may not be cut or folded or altered in any way
  • Numbers designated to other athletes make not be used

Audio players are not to be carried or worn at any time during the race:

  • earbuds, headphones, headsets
  • walkmans, ipods, mp3 players
  • any personal audio devices

All personal equipment and belongings taken out onto the course must stay on the athlete the entire time. No garbage, clothing, etc. shall be thrown on the course.No individual support vehicles or non-athlete escort runners are allowed on course.
Athletes are expected to follow the directions and instructions of all race officials and public authorities.
The sole responsibility of knowing and following the prescribed running course rests with each athlete. No adjustments in times or results shall be made for athletes who fail to follow the proper course for any reason whatsoever.
Friends and/or family members are not permitted to cross the finish line or enter the finish chute with participating athletes. This policy will allow each competitor adequate time to celebrate their accomplishment without interfering with other finishers and ensure the safety of all athletes, volunteers, and fans.

For more multisport rules visit USA Triathlon website.