CIM

Racing it

1. 01

   Dress for a 7 a.m. Gun

   The start is at 07:00 and typical race-day temperature is around 7C, so wear throwaway layers and warm up before you enter the corrals.

   From the start time

2. 02

   Get to Folsom Dam

   This is a point-to-point course starting at Folsom Dam, so arrange race-day transport to the start and decide what to do with your warm clothes.

   From the layout

3. 03

   Respect the Early Rolls

   The first miles are rolling, with about 100 metres of climbing across the course, so stay controlled on the ups rather than forcing the pace.

   From the elevation profile

4. 04

   Save It for the Finish

   The route drops roughly 100 metres from Folsom Dam to the State Capitol and runs fast late, so a negative split suits anyone chasing a Boston qualifier.

   From the description

5. 05

   One Distance, One Plan

   The marathon is the only distance on offer, so the whole field shares the same start and finish and you can plan your day around a single schedule.

   From the distances

In Sacramento

• Race Day Getting Around

  Sacramento's light rail and buses reach downtown, but expect closures near the Capitol finish and around the American River crossings, so leave extra time.

• Where to Watch

  Spectators can cluster around the State Capitol and Capitol Mall for the finish, or catch runners earlier along the river and in Old Sacramento.

• After the Race

  For recovery, walk the flat, shaded streets of Midtown or the American River Parkway; both are easy on tired legs and close to the finish area.