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Sacramento Marathon

SacramentoCaliforniaUnited States

Next race

Sunday, 6 December 2026

7:00 am start

Distance

42.195 km / 26.2 mi

Point-to-point road

Elevation

Net downhill · 202 m gain

202 m climbing

Race profile

Overview

The Sacramento Marathon — universally known as the California International Marathon (CIM) — draws approximately 4,000 finishers each December on a fast point-to-point road from Folsom to downtown Sacramento. The net-downhill course drops roughly 103 metres through the Sierra Nevada foothills before finishing on Capitol Mall in front of the California State Capitol. Cool early-December weather and a USATF-certified profile make it one of the most reliable Boston-qualifier races in the western United States.

Sacramento Marathon is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.

Typical participants

Approximately 4,000 finishers

Weather

Cool to mild and humid winter

8–11°C · humidity 75–90%

Marathon weather guide →

Course records
Men: 2:07:35 — Tsegay Weldlibanos (2024)Women: 2:24:09 — Molly Born (2025)

Course & terrain

Sacramento Marathon course

Route map and elevation profile for race-week planning.

The Sacramento Marathon is a river-city loop starting and finishing at the State Capitol, following the American River Parkway and passing Old Sacramento. The parkway sections are the easiest because they stay flat and shaded beside the water, while the transitions back into urban Sacramento and the subtle rollers linking the park system to the finish are tougher. Spectator support is strongest at the Capitol, through Old Sacramento, and along the most accessible American River Parkway segments.

Sacramento Marathon route map

Registration

Sacramento Marathon entry requirements

For the Sacramento Marathon, cIM has a near-legendary reputation as a BQ race. The net downhill point-to-point course, cool early-December temperatures typically between 5–12 °C, large and competitive field with excellent pace groups, and USATF certification combine to make it one of the top choices for runners targeting a BQ in any given year.

Getting there

Sacramento Marathon travel

Airports closest to Sacramento for flight planning and race-week travel.
Closest airport

Sacramento International Airport (SMF)

15 km / 9 mi

Race footage

Sacramento Marathon videos

Race-day footage from the course to help you picture the route, crowds, and key landmarks on marathon day.

Sacramento Running Association - Project 26.20 In-Person Event Overview

Common questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Sacramento Marathon elevation profile?
The Sacramento Marathon has 202 metres of total climbing and 305 metres of descent over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). The course is net downhill, with 103 metres of net descent from start to finish.
Where can I find the Sacramento Marathon route map?
This page includes a Sacramento Marathon course map showing the full 42.195 km route from start to finish. Follows the American River Parkway and passes Old Sacramento.
How long is the Sacramento Marathon?
The Sacramento Marathon is the standard marathon distance of 42.195 kilometres (26.2 miles), certified to World Athletics rules. Point-to-point road starting and finishing at the State Capitol.
What time does the Sacramento Marathon start?
The 2026 Sacramento Marathon starts at 7:00 am local time on Sunday, 6 December 2026. Arrive early for baggage drop and corral access — official race communications confirm any last-minute schedule changes.
What is the California International Marathon (CIM), and how does it relate to Sacramento?
The California International Marathon — universally known as CIM — is the official name of the Sacramento Marathon. It is a point-to-point race that starts in Folsom and finishes in downtown Sacramento, running approximately 42.2 km westward with the terrain in its favour.
How much does the CIM course drop in elevation?
The CIM course drops approximately 103 metres net from the Folsom start to the Sacramento finish — one of the largest net descents of any major US marathon. Combined with the generally gentle and consistent grade, this makes it one of the most reliably fast courses in the country.
Why is CIM considered one of the best Boston Qualifier races in the US?
CIM has a near-legendary reputation as a BQ race. The net downhill point-to-point course, cool early-December temperatures typically between 5–12 °C, large and competitive field with excellent pace groups, and USATF certification combine to make it one of the top choices for runners targeting a BQ in any given year.
When is the California International Marathon held?
CIM is held in early December, typically the first Sunday of the month, making it one of the last major US marathons of the calendar year and a prime target for runners who missed their BQ in spring or autumn.
What is the route of the California International Marathon?
The race starts in the historic Gold Rush city of Folsom — just east of Sacramento — and runs west along Sacramento area roads and bike trails, finishing with a dramatic downtown Sacramento finale on Capitol Mall in front of the California State Capitol.

Official resources

Sacramento Marathon links

Websites

Social Media

Last updated 11 October 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.

Close to this race

Nearby Marathons

Other races closest to Sacramento.

Napa Valley Marathon
CalistogaCaliforniaUnited States· 94 km away

Napa Valley Marathon

The Napa Valley Marathon draws approximately 2,500 finishers each March on a point-to-point road in Calistoga, United States. It is one of the most famous wine-country marathons in the world and stays intentionally low-key despite strong demand. The course passes vineyards, winery estates, and quiet Silverado Trail miles backed by low hills. Gentle undulations are the only breaks on an otherwise flat profile.

Next race: Friday, 5 March 2027

Mountains 2 Beach Marathon
VenturaCaliforniaUnited States· 517 km away

Mountains 2 Beach Marathon

The Mountains 2 Beach Marathon draws approximately 1,750 finishers each April on a point-to-point road in Ventura, United States. Southern California's premier spring Boston qualifier — a distinct April event from the winter Ventura Marathon, with a spectator-friendly Ojai loop and roughly 700 feet of net descent. The April point-to-point route loops East Ojai at the start, passes Meiners Oaks countryside, the Ventura River basin, the paved Ventura River bike path, downtown Ventura, and a final mile along the Pacific. It is a separate spring race from the February Ventura Marathon (https://www.marathonfocus.com/marathons/ventura-marathon), which uses a shorter Ojai start and the Ojai–Ventura bike path without the opening loop. The route is net downhill overall.

Next race: Friday, 16 April 2027

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Planning guides

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