California International Marathon
The Lowdown
Our point-to-point, net-downhill course has remained unchanged for 42 years, starting from Folsom’s scenic foothills and ending at the historical California State Capitol. CIM has provided over 100,000 runners of all speeds–from first-timers to the fastest of the fast–the best chance to achieve their marathon goals.
Race Day
Weather Forecast
Elevation
Terrain Profile
Relatively flat course
Participants
Field Size
Large field
Crowd Rating
Spectator Support
Good crowd energy
California International Marathon Selected to Host 2025 and 2026 USATF Marathon Championships
Jun 15, 2025CIM was chosen to host the USATF Marathon Championships in 2025 and 2026; organizers announced a combined $116,500 championship purse, $20,000 first-place prizes, and a $500 U.S. Olympic Trials qualifying bonus for athletes meeting 2028 OTQ standards.
Course Records Shattered at 41st California International Marathon
Dec 8, 2024At the 41st CIM both course records were broken: Tsegay Weldlibanos won the men’s race in 2:07:35 and Calli Hauger-Thackery won the women’s race in 2:24:28; race organizers awarded course-record bonuses to the winners.
This race qualifies for the Boston Marathon
Notable Landmarks
Folsom Lake
The race starts in the Folsom Lake area, offering scenic views of the reservoir and rolling hills
Old Town Folsom
Early in the course runners pass the historic downtown with brick sidewalks, shops and crowd support
Nimbus Fish Hatchery
A recognizable riverside landmark near the early miles where the course follows the American River
American River Parkway / Jedediah Smith Memorial Trail
Long stretches along the shaded, paved river trail that make up much of the course
Guy West Bridge / Sacramento State
The course passes near California State University, Sacramento and the distinctive Guy West Bridge
California State Capitol / Capitol Mall
The downhill finish on Capitol Mall culminates in a grand finish in front of the State Capitol building
Sacramento, CA, United States
US
Based on nearby accommodations
- Must be 18 years of age or older on race day
- Registration and payment of entry fee required to participate
- Runners must provide proof of time when registering for seeded corral placement (valid time from a certified race within the event’s published qualifying window)
- Open to both U.S. and international entrants
- Wheelchair and handcycle competitors must register in the designated divisions and follow race organizer instructions (contact race director for classification requirements)
- All participants must follow USA Track & Field rules and race-specific regulations set by the event organizers
- No unauthorized pacers or support vehicles; entrants must comply with course and safety instructions from race officials
- Participants must withdraw or not start if ill or injured and follow any medical screening or health/safety requirements communicated by the race organizers
- Photo ID (government-issued)
- Proof of Time (official race result within qualifying window)
- Signed Waiver/Release Form
- Online Registration
- Time-qualifier / Guaranteed Entry
- Charity Entry
- Club/Team Entry
Cancellation & Refunds
Policy details
All entries are non-refundable
Entries are non-transferable
Entries are non-deferrable
In the event the race is cancelled by the organizers, a refund, partial refund, or credit may be issued at the organizers' discretion
The California International Marathon (CIM) is a point-to-point, net downhill course from the Folsom area to the State Capitol in downtown Sacramento, which makes it one of the nation’s fastest marathon courses and a high producer of Boston qualifiers.
Finishers receive a custom finisher medal and a technical long-sleeve shirt, with post-race food, recovery areas, and a beer garden for participants and spectators near the finish line.
Race weekend typically includes a runners’ expo with packet pick-up and vendors, a Saturday pasta dinner (ticketed), and a kids’ fun run to engage families and supporters.
Aid stations are well-spaced approximately every 1.5–2.5 miles offering water, electrolyte drink, and gels at select stops—plan to carry your own fuel if you have specialized needs.
Transportation and parking are limited near the start in Folsom, so most runners use shuttle buses to the start or arrange drop-off; layers are recommended for the cool December morning with warmer conditions possible in the afternoon.
Community
Stories, tips, and race-day snapshots from runners who have tackled this course.
Community Reviews
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