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California International Marathon
Race Details:
- Location: Sacramento, CA, USA
- Race Date: 12/06/2026
- Race Distances: Full Marathon
What This Race Counts Toward:
Boston: Yes
World Marathon Majors: Yes
California International Marathon Description
The California International Marathon runs point-to-point from Folsom to the State Capitol in downtown Sacramento, dropping about 340 feet net over the course even with some rolling hills in the early miles. Held every December, it’s one of the fastest, most Boston-friendly courses in the country and doubles as the USATF Marathon Championship course in select years. Runners pass through Fair Oaks, Sacramento’s tree-lined American River Parkway, and East Sacramento neighborhoods before finishing on the Capitol steps. Cool December weather and a well-organized course make it a go-to race for qualifiers and personal bests alike.
Always check the official race website for the most accurate and up-to-date race information and logistics.
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California International Marathon Additional Details:
CIM rewards loyalty in a way few marathons do: its Loyal Runners Program hands out special gifts to anyone who returns for a 5th, 10th, 15th, 20th, 25th, or even 30th finish, turning the race into a lifelong tradition for Sacramento-area runners. At aid stations, small touches stand out, tissues are stocked alongside water and electrolytes so runners can wipe a cold-weather runny nose without breaking stride. After crossing the Capitol steps, finishers unwind in a beer garden with food and recovery space, and everyone receives a discount code toward next year’s race in their digital goodie bag. A wide start line keeps the point-to-point field from bottlenecking early, letting runners settle into pace almost immediately.
Course Information
Profile: Downhill
Type: Point to Point
Surface: Road/Pavement
Pace Groups: Yes
Time Limit: 6 hours
# of Finishers
Marathon: 8,000 to 8,500
Elevation Details
Elevation Gain: 663 ft
Elevation Loss: 1,003 ft
Average Temperature
- Low: 40°F
- High: 60°F
Train Smarter for Race Day
A great race starts long before the starting line. Whether you’re chasing your first finish or hunting a new PR, a structured training plan takes the guesswork out of race prep — building your fitness, your confidence, and your mileage at the right pace for you.
Explore plans for every distance and experience level, from your first 5K to your next ultra.
Full Marathon Training Plan
Structured plans for every experience level, from your first 26.2 to chasing a new PR.
Things to Do in Sacramento, CA, USA
Make the most of race weekend — here’s how to fill the time before and after you cross the finish line.
Landmark
Old Sacramento Waterfront
Wander the Gold Rush-era streets of the Old Sacramento Waterfront, filled with museums, shops, and restaurants — an easy, flat, low-impact stop after race weekend.
Zoos, Aquariums & Gardens
Sacramento Zoo
See wildlife from around the world at the Sacramento Zoo in the Land Park neighborhood — a flat, self-paced walk that’s gentle on recovering legs.
Outdoors & Trails
American River Bike Trail
Bike a stretch of the 32-mile American River Bike Trail, running from Old Sacramento’s Discovery Park to Beal’s Point — an easy option for tapering or recovering legs.
Sports & Entertainment
Fairytale Town
Explore storybook-themed play structures at Fairytale Town in the Land Park neighborhood — a relaxed, low-impact way to spend an afternoon after race day.
Arts & Culture
Crocker Art Museum
See one of Sacramento’s must-see museums at the Crocker Art Museum — a relaxed, indoor way to spend a taper day after race weekend.
Scenic Drives & Viewpoints
Capitol Park
Stroll the landscaped gardens and historic monuments of Capitol Park, surrounding the California State Capitol — a relaxed, flat way to spend a rest day.
Museums & History
California State Railroad Museum
Explore one of the best railroad museums in North America at the California State Railroad Museum in Old Sacramento — an easy, indoor, low-impact stop after race day.
Hotels & Lodging Near the California International Marathon
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