Photo: © Sacramento Running Association▶California International Marathon
Sacramento, United StatesAt a glance
California International Marathon 2026 takes place on 6 December 2026 in Sacramento, United States. Distances: 42.195 km. Start at 07:00 from Folsom Dam, Folsom.
- Date
- Sunday, 6 December 2026
- Location
- Sacramento, United States
- Start
- Folsom Dam, Folsom
- Finish
- California State Capitol
- Distances
- Marathon · 42.195 km · Competitive
- Start times
- 07:00
- Registration
- Sold out
- Organiser
- Sacramento Running Association ↗
- Official website
- runcim.org ↗
Last updated: 19 October 2026
The race
The California International Marathon (CIM), nicknamed The Golden Race and the Fastest Course in the West, takes place on Sunday 6 December 2026 between Folsom and Sacramento. It starts at 7:00 near Folsom Dam and finishes in front of the California State Capitol in downtown Sacramento.
The course is point-to-point and net downhill, with gentle rolling hills and a flat, fast finish, and has remained unchanged for 42 years. It is the number one Boston qualifier in the United States and one of the ten largest marathons in the country.
It is organised by the Sacramento Running Association. Along the route there are 17 aid stations with water and Precision Hydration, three of them also with gels and fruit, plus three self-refill water stations.
Registration for 2026 is sold out: the only way in is a bib transferred through the official Race Roster process. The In-Shape Fitness CIM Relay is held on the same day.
Videos
From Folsom to the Capitol
The start is near Folsom Dam, in the foothills of the city. The course is point-to-point and drops overall towards Sacramento: gentle rolling hills in the first part, then a flat, fast finish at the California State Capitol.
Aid stations
- 17 aid stations with water and Precision Hydration (drink first, then water).
- At stations 1, 2 and 3 tables are on both sides; from 4 to 17 only on the right.
- Three stations also offer Precision Fuel gels, chews and bananas.
- Three self-refill water stations at about miles 6.7, 14 and 20.5.
- Medical support and toilets after the tables at every station.
Time limit
The start line closes at 7:30. Roads reopen behind a police vehicle travelling at a 6-hour finish pace (13:44 per mile); after 6 hours aid and finish services are not guaranteed, and the finish line closes at 13:30.
What's included
- Aid stations
- Medical assistance
- Pacers
- Bag drop
Rules and requirements
2026 registration
The three entry tiers (Blue, Orange and Gold) sold out at record speed, as did the Mandatory Entry Donation programme and the Gold Entry Draw. The only way to run in 2026 is to receive a transferred bib through Race Roster.
Entry tiers
- Blue (Unprotected): non-transferable and non-deferrable.
- Orange (Standard): transferable to another runner or to the relay, not deferrable.
- Gold (Worry Free): transferable and deferrable to 2027.
Transfers
From 1 October to 16 November 2026 Orange and Gold entrants can transfer their bib. The new runner pays $230 ($180 Blue entry fee plus a $50 transfer fee) and receives a Blue entry; the original runner is refunded. Everything goes through Race Roster.
Deferral to 2027 (Gold only)
Simply do not pick up your bib at the expo: a deferral code arrives by the end of December, to be used to re-register by 1 June 2027.
Services
No gear check at the start: use the one at the expo or at bus loading at the SAFE Credit Union Convention Center, with collection in the finish area.
