The beautiful Conejo Valley is always full of people looking for active fun. But as any distance runners know, fall is the best time for races; temperatures have dropped, but not too much, and the foliage and scenery are at their peak. The combination of Conejo Valley’s beauty and the fall race season means there are a lot of races to choose from if you’re visiting Malibu.
Beginning in November 2019, the Malibu Half Marathon and 5k run is scheduled for Sunday the 3rd at Zuma Beach. On the following Sunday, November 10th, the 7th Annual Surfers Point Marathon, Half Marathon, 5K, and 10K will be held at Emma Wood State Beach Group Campground (also known as Seaside Wilderness Park).
Then, on December 1st, the 9th annual Holly Jolly Half Marathon, 5K, and 10K run will be held at the Pleasant Valley Fields in Camarillo. Following the Camarillo event will be the Santa to the Sea Half Marathon and 5K, which will be held on December 8th, 2019, at the Marine Emporium Landing in the Channel Islands Harbor in Oxnard.
Whether you’re planning on racing in just one of them or starting your racing streak with several, here is a quick guide to help you plan for a trip to Malibu for road racing.
Transportation
If you are coming from LAX (Los Angeles International Airport), the most convenient mode of transportation to get to the Conejo Valley area would be by renting a vehicle. Now, if you plan to attend all the marathons, then we both know that it will get costly. Another option would be taking a rental out on an “as-needed” basis or use a rideshare app (but watch out for surge pricing around race event times).
From LAX, you can take LADOT Transit to Westlake Village/Thousand Oaks. Why there? Because Westlake Village/Thousand Oaks are both considered to be a central location for all the marathons happening in the area. So when you arrive at Westlake Village/Thousand Oaks, you can take their local transit to get around the area and to the events or take out a rental for only the days you need it most. This saves you time and, most importantly, money.
Lodging
Now that we’ve got a game plan for transportation, the next thing you are probably planning is a place to stay for the first marathon of the season that will be held in Malibu. You are probably searching for hotels near Malibu at the moment. Instead of staying at various hotels for each marathon, why not stay at one hotel and make it your home base for this marathon season?
As above, Westlake Village/Thousand Oaks is a central location for all the races. It’s also home to some quality hotels.
The Hyatt Regency Westlake is a great choice because it feels like you are staying at a resort. They have spacious rooms with breathtaking views of the Santa Monica Mountains with fire pits on their patios to set your mood for a cozy evening. The Hyatt also offers guests modern amenities like free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour fitness center, and heated pools. The Westlake Village Inn is another stellar option. It’s known as a destination-worthy hotel in its own right. With deluxe accommodations that are used to hosting weddings, birthdays, and bachelor parties, it’s just the place if you want to relax after running a hard race. With an on-site vineyard, fine dining, and gorgeous grounds, you can recover in style.
Dining
Close to either hotel, there is a New York-style deli called Brent’s. It’s the perfect place to carbo-load the night before or find something filling and tasty to satisfy your hunger after a race. Other eateries in the vicinity include restaurants that serve BBQ, Pizza, Italian, and French cuisines to just name a few. There are also a variety of fast food establishments like Carl’s Jr, Taco Bell, Subway, and Popeye’s.
Other Attractions
If you have time in between marathons or decide to stay a couple of days after one, there are some attractions in the area that are worth your time. As briefly mentioned, the Santa Monica Mountains are nearby. There, you can hike, mountain bike, and even go horseback riding in this majestic area. You can also visit Paradise Falls at Wildwood Regional Park with just a 15 to 20-minute drive away from the hotel. If beaches are your thing, head back to Malibu Beach and have a full day of fun in the sun and stay a little longer for the beautiful sunset.
Are you ready for the marathons happening this season in the Conejo Valley area? You bet you are, and this guide will help you plan for it. Have fun!
