CIM2026

Sun, 6 Dec 2026 · Sacramento, California · 34 days

Distance: 42.2 km
Terrain: Rolling
Climb: 100 m
Layout: Point to point
Time limit: 6 h
Race day: 7°C (45°F)

A point-to-point course that drops about 100 metres from Folsom Dam to the California State Capitol. Rolling early, fast late, and one of the best Boston qualifiers in the US.

Before you go

Pro tips

Racing it

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
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
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
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
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.

Written by AI from the course data and the race's description; city tips are general knowledge. Check race-day details with the organizer.

More marathons nearby in time