Course Map
Route based on 2024 course — may differ slightly from this year.
About this Race
The California International Marathon is a net-downhill, point-to-point course from Folsom into Sacramento, widely regarded as one of America's best Boston-qualifying races. The gentle, rolling descent and smooth roads make it a magnet for personal bests, though the early rolling miles can punish an overeager start. Held in December, it typically offers cool, sometimes foggy conditions well suited to fast racing. Excellent crowd support and aid stations line the course. It suits the dedicated time-focused runner chasing a qualifier on one of the country's premier downhill courses.
Course Insight
CIM is a net-downhill point-to-point from Folsom into Sacramento, a December classic and one of the great Boston-qualifier courses, gently descending in rolling waves the locals call rolling thunder. The descent is fast but the early rollers can trash quads if you take them greedily, so pace them with control. Cool, sometimes foggy December air is ideal for racing. The aid and crowds are excellent. Run the early miles under control and the downhill back half is yours.
Difficulty Breakdown
A balanced marathon with no single defining challenge.
Course Details
- Course type
- Point-To-Point
- Elevation gain
- 138m
- Elevation loss
- 238m
- Highest point
- 103m
- Lowest point
- 6m
- Net elevation
- -100m
- Start
- Folsom, California
- Cutoff time
- 6h 0m
Race History
The California International Marathon was first held in 1983 and became one of the most popular and fastest Boston-qualifying races in the United States, a net-downhill point-to-point route from Folsom into Sacramento. Its favorable descent and cool December timing made it a magnet for personal bests. From its founding it grew into a frequent national championship stage. It remains a premier destination for fast times.
Plan Your Trip
Everything you need to know to get there, get settled, and get to the start line.
- Nearest airport(s)
- Sacramento International (SMF), San Francisco (SFO) & Oakland (OAK)
- Best area to stay
- Midtown Sacramento for proximity to the Capitol finish and characterful stays, downtown for central options, and Folsom for proximity to the start.
- Getting to the start
- It's point-to-point from Folsom; board the official early-morning buses from downtown Sacramento out to the Folsom start, as there's no other access.