How to get into the California International Marathon 2026.

Ways in

There are 6 ways into the California International Marathon, each with what it involves and, where we have it, the organizer's own detail.

1. 01

   First come, first served

   Entry opens on a set date and closes when the field is full.

   At this race: Marathon entries are released on a first-come, first-served basis in tiered registration (Blue, Orange, Gold); all three standard tiers sold out at record speed.

2. 02

   Ballot

   Apply while the ballot is open. Places are then drawn at random from everyone who applied, and those drawn are invited to pay the entry fee.

   At this race: Option 1: apply for the CIM Gold Entry Drawing ($230 race entry + fees); if selected, your credit card is charged after 24-48 hrs of May 1st and you receive a confirmation email. Application window is

3. 03

   Qualifying time

   Run a time under the race's standard for your age and gender within the qualifying window, then apply with proof. At popular races, meeting the time doesn't always guarantee a place.

   At this race: Elite Athlete entry to the 2026 CIM / USATF Marathon Championships. The 2026 CIM Elite Athlete application period has closed; athletes already entered in the race can email [email protected]. Field-1/

   Organizer's details
4. 04

   Club membership

   Places set aside for members of a club or running organization, sometimes for completing a set number of its races.

   At this race: Membnership not stated. Leave out.

5. 05

   Charity place

   Take a place from a partner charity and commit to raising a minimum amount for it. Charities usually ask you to apply and choose their runners.

   At this race: Option 2: secure a Gold Entry with a Mandatory Charity Donation ($500 – $230 race entry + $235 tax deductible donation + fees)

6. 06

   Tour operator package

   Buy a travel package (usually hotel plus race entry) from an official tour operator. It costs more than entering yourself, but the place is guaranteed.

   At this race: Obtain a transferred marathon entry through the official Race Roster transfer process, which opens October 1; all transfers must be completed through the official Race Roster transfer system, and the

Ballot dates

The ballot for the 2026 race, as the organizer announced it.

1. Ballot opens

   15 Feb 2026

2. Ballot closes

   24 Nov 2026

3. Draw

   TBA

4. Results

   TBA

Qualifying times

Elite Athlete entry to the 2026 CIM / USATF Marathon Championships. The 2026 CIM Elite Athlete application period has closed; athletes already entered in the race can email [email protected]. Field-1/

We don't have this race's standards yet; the official site lists them.

Charity places and tours

Both are guaranteed places. A charity place asks you to raise a minimum amount; a tour package bundles entry with travel and a hotel.

FAQ

When does the California International Marathon ballot open?

The ballot for the 2026 race is open now and closes on 24 Nov 2026.

Can I get into the California International Marathon without the ballot?

Yes. Besides the ballot there are 5 other ways in. First come, first served: Marathon entries are released on a first-come, first-served basis in tiered registration (Blue, Orange, Gold); all three standard tiers sold out at record speed. Qualifying time: Elite Athlete entry to the 2026 CIM / USATF Marathon Championships. The 2026 CIM Elite Athlete application period has closed; athletes already entered in the race can email [email protected]. Field-1/. Club membership: Membnership not stated. Leave out. Charity place: Option 2: secure a Gold Entry with a Mandatory Charity Donation ($500 – $230 race entry + $235 tax deductible donation + fees). Tour operator package: Obtain a transferred marathon entry through the official Race Roster transfer process, which opens October 1; all transfers must be completed through the official Race Roster transfer system, and the.

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