The net downhill, point-to-point California International Marathon (CIM) course is one of the fastest courses in the country. It has long been a popular destination for runners seeking PRs and BQs. The fast course coupled with typically favorable weather, makes the California International Marathon one of the best races for PRs and BQs.
The same route SRA management created for the 1983 inaugural CIM will take you through rural countryside, then through the towns of Orangevale, Citrus Heights, Fair Oaks and Carmichael and finally, under a canopy of trees in full fall colors, into the city of Sacramento for the State Capitol finish.
CIM has a gently rolling, point-to-point, net downhill course with well maintained streets and few turns. CIM start is at a 359 ft. elevation and its finish at a 19 ft. elevation.
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California International Marathon
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How does the California International Marathon Rank?
The California International Marathon was the 9th largest marathon in the U.S. last year and was the 9th largest in 2022.
Last year 31.1% of finishers qualified for the Boston Marathon and 31.9% of runners qualified for Boston in 2022.
This gives the California International Marathon the 16th highest percentage of Boston Marathon qualifiers in the U.S. last year and the 17th highest percentage in 2022.
Its Course Score of 100.38 ranks it as the 35th fastest marathon course in the U.S. and the 5th fastest course in California.
The typical race time temperature and humidity levels are within the ideal range for optimal marathon performance. This, coupled with the Course Score, gives the California International Marathon a PR Score of 100.38. This PR Score ranks it as the 28th fastest marathon in the U.S. and the 3rd fastest in California.
Learn more about PR Scores and Course Scores on the FAQ page.
California International Marathon Elevation Chart
Max Elevation: 359 feet (109m) Min Elevation: 19 feet (5m)
Hotel & VRBO Accommodations for the California International Marathon
View available accomodations around the California International Marathon Finish Line and Course. Book your Reservation now before the best places are sold out.
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How Fast Can You Go?
If you ran the California International Marathon in 3:38:00, what would your time in other marathons be?
See how your race times would compare on other marathon courses with our time conversion tool.
Hk's review of 2023 California International Marathon.
5 /
5 Stars
Review
This is a fast course. I agree with many that CIM is the best race for BQ and PR. The stat speaks for itself. Some people may talk about the rolling hills of the first half. I didn't notice any uphill in the first half. True that I noticed the uphill of the bridge somewhere after mile 20. But it is a small one. Not a big deal. The 2023 weather was awesome. It can rain in this time of the year.
Many people recommend staying in the Sacramento downtown. But I'm happy that I stayed in Foltham, near the start line. I could sleep longer there. There is a Whole Foods Market., so I knew what to get. There is a Costco store, so I could top up gasoline. What else do I need the night before the race day?
Russell Y.'s review of 2023 California International Marathon.
5 /
5 Stars
Review
Very well organized and managed. Excellent support stations. Lovely fall colors make up for the middle long strip mall stretches down Fair Oaks Blvd. Finishing at the Capitol is very scenic and inspiring. Big expo.
Race Tips
If you're used to small/medium races, this is a big one, which means a huge crowd at the start and lots of people on the course. Just go with the flow. Lots of strong runners at many different paces. We had an excellent pacer (for 3:45). Had good weather (cool, broken clouds) but of course Dec. is a gamble for rain. Terrain is pretty much a non-factor, though hitting the slope of the J Street bridge at mi 22 triggered a calf cramp for me. (Next time: more bent-knee calf raises to work those soleuses!)
Stayed in Folsom at the lovely Lake Natoma Inn (then my wife drove herself to Sac). Would have been worth coming a day early to enjoy the grounds and surrounds. No, it is not easily walkable from the Inn to the start; there was an official shuttle bus from the Inn.
The line for the BQ bell is super long, haha!
AG's review of 2022 California International Marathon.
5 /
5 Stars
Review
2022 race had rain forecast.. but rain largely stayed away just between the marathon start and finish... High humidity, but low temp ensured no impact to race strategy. Excellent course support throughout the race with lots of supporters on either side cheering runners on. Course has lots of rolling hills.. even though you only accumulate 600 odd feet gain thru the race, this can be a problem for some looking for a flat or downhill course. Race doesn't have waved starts, so you get a crowded race through out the 26.2miles.. which is personally great.. Running amidst constant company. Highly recommend this race
Race Tips
Maintain an even effort throughout the race. Dont put money in the bank.. never works. Rolling hills will take a bit of thought to deal with.. Vary strides and help legs stay fresh so you can leverage the flat finish. Prepare for an occasional rain/drizzle..
Staying in Folsom got us extra 30-40min sleep. We stayed in the cluster of hotels (Courtyard Marriott, Hampton Inn etc) near Whole Foods (Bus location D).. hotels were relatively cheap and nicer and lots of good sit down places to eat and carbload the prev night
Kyrah Ayers's review of 2021 California International Marathon.
5 /
5 Stars
Review
Excellent race. Well organized, beautiful scenery, great volunteer and crowd support. Fast course!
Race Tips
Don't let the early downhills get you carried away.
Book hotels early. If you're coming with family, book in downtown Sacramento or nearby. Try to stay the night after the race. The check out on race day procedure can be a logistical nightmare.
KW's review of 2021 California International Marathon.
5 /
5 Stars
Review
I absolutely loved everything about this race. From the expo to the race support, everything was on point, including the weather! This is without a doubt the best marathon I've ever run, and definitely recommend to anyone who wants to run a fantastic course with great support!
Race Tips
If you prepare for this race, you can do well! The course is fair..you do need to train on hills for sure but the downhills balance them out. Definitely hold back at the beginning and work your way up from there. You'll be glad you did during the last 10k, which is essentially flat but your legs will start missing the downhills. If you like to run with pacers don’t hesitate, they are some of the best!
Definitely stay in the downtown Sacramento area. You can literally walk to everything, including the expo and bus pickup area. Lots of amazing restaurants to choose from.
