Sacramento Marathon

Sacramento Marathon course route

The California International Marathon starts in Folsom and runs west on a net-downhill point-to-point course through the Sierra Nevada foothills toward downtown Sacramento. The early miles beside Folsom Lake and the American River corridor are the fastest because the grade works in your favour, while the final approach through Sacramento and the Capitol Mall finish require disciplined pacing after the descent. Crowds are densest at the Folsom start, along key American River trail crossings, and on Capitol Mall for the finish.

Sacramento Marathon elevation profile

The Sacramento Marathon course is net downhill over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). Runners cover 202 metres of climbing and 305 metres of descent, with a net descent of 103 metres from start to finish.

Entry requirements

The California International Marathon uses a lottery system through runsra.org, with applications typically accepted in late summer for the early-December race. The field of roughly 4,000 finishers fills through lottery selection and charity bibs — no qualifying time is required to apply. Charity entries through official partner organisations are the main alternative when lottery acceptance is unsuccessful.

Sacramento Marathon course video

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

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.

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 from Folsom to downtown Sacramento.

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 on runsra.org/california-international-marathon/ 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.