2021 CIM Final Runner Instructions

COVID REQUIREMENTS

All CIM participants will be REQUIRED to produce the following to participate in the race:

• Photo ID
• Participants must bring to the Expo an original, paper, or digital copy of their vaccination or negative COVID-19 test proof
• Masks must be worn at all times with the race course being the only exception. 

PACKET PICK-UP 

General Marathon Packet Pick-Up: Bib numbers will be dynamically assigned in the marathon packet area. You will need your Confirmation Receipt to have your bib assigned as well as your photo ID and proof of COVID vaccination or negative COVID test result. 

VIP Packet Pick-Up: VIP Packet Pick-Up will be available to the left of the Expo entrance  - look for the red carpet! VIPs will not need their QR codes. 

Seeded Start (Sub-Elite):  You will find your bib at the VIP desk. You will not need your QR code. 

Elite Packet Pick-up:  Elite runners will receive their race week information from the Elite Director.

You may have someone else pick up your packet for you.  The person picking up on your behalf will need:

• Completed (by you) Packet Pick-up Authorization Form 
• Copy of your photo ID
• Copy of your COVID vaccination card OR negative COVID test results
• Your QR Code, found in your Confirmation Receipt
• Please be kind to your friend and supply them with the proper tools to pick up your bib.  If they do not have all the above, they will be turned away.

SOLUTIONS DESK AND INFO BOOTH

The Marathon Solutions Desk will be located just in front of the marathon packet pick-up tables and is the place to go to update registration information (i.e. name spelled wrong, wrong birthdate, wrong gender...)  and resolve any other registration questions.

For all other questions (i.e. busing questions, directions, gear check info...) or for Lost & Found, the Info Booth will be located immediately to your right as you enter the Expo.  

RUNNER TRACKING

Runners and spectators will have the ability to track participants HERE. You can sign up for tracking starting now.

Unofficial results will be available on the CIM website starting noon on Sunday.  

GETTING TO THE START 

Runners are not permitted to be dropped off near the Start Line.  All runners must use one of the Buses or Shuttles provided.  Be sure to know which bus or shuttle you plan to use before race day.  

What is the difference between a Bus and Shuttle?

• Bus
  • Leave from Finish Line Area (Location A) and near select Partner Hotels (Locations B, C, D) (check with hotel for parking availability, prices)
  • Return buses available after the race from finish to select Partner Hotel locations B, C, and D. 
  • Upon arrival at the Start Area, runners can remain on buses until shortly before the start
    
    
• Shuttle
  • 3 drop-off locations available near start area
  • Runner drop-off only: no parking available, no return bus from Finish Area 
  • Shuttles run on a loop so runners must exit upon arrival to the Start Area

Finish Area Gear Check

SELF-SEEDED START STAGING AREAS  

There are 6 entrances to the Start Staging Areas available to runners, sorted by your expected finish time; these are NOT assigned corrals. Please review the corral schedule HERE and on race day line up in the appropriate pace range so you and all of your fellow runners will have a fair start and a chance to perform your best.

FUELING AND HYDRATION 

The California International Marathon will have 17 aid stations spread throughout the course, each stocked with water and nuun performance. Four of these stops will also be stocked with GU Gels, GU Chews, and fruit. Click HERE for more on-course fueling and hydration information.

WEATHER FORECAST 

The current weather forecast calls for the morning low at the Start Line in Folsom to be in the mid-40s, with highs at the Finish Line in Sacramento in the low-50s under partly cloudy skies. Check the weather conditions before you leave your hotel room on race morning.  Here are some race day tips that apply regardless of the weather: 

• Dress in layers! You can always shed unwanted clothing at the start line and the first two aid stations.  Look for the volunteers waving the "Throw Me Your Clothes" signs. Do not litter the streets with unwanted clothing we have designated bins.  Clothes shed at the start and on the course will be donated to a non-profit - you will NOT get them back. 
• Stay on the bus! If you rode the bus to the start, stay on the bus. Runners are allowed to stay on the buses until 15 minutes prior to the start of the race. 

• Old Town Fair Oaks - Mile 10 
• Fair Oaks Boulevard and Manzanita Avenue - Mile 13.5
• Loehmann's Plaza - Mile 20.4
• California State Capitol - Finish Festival

The road closure schedule can be viewed by clicking HERE. For up to date road closure information and closure avoidance we recommend using the WAZE app who have partnered with the California International Marathon. 

OFFICIAL CIM MERCHANDISE AT THE FINISH LINE (in case you didn't get enough at the expo)

After you cross that finish line (but before the pain sets in), be sure to check out the OFFICIAL CIM merchandise tent, hosted by Fleet Feet Sacramento, located just to your left when you exit the Controlled Zone.  Be sure to stop by and pick up some unique official merchandise to celebrate your accomplishment!

PARTICIPANT SHIRT SWAP

Having second thoughts about the shirt size you selected?  Not a problem!  Unworn participant shirts can be swapped at the swap booth, located in the finish area near the merchandise booth, while supplies last. 

BEER GARDEN - PRESENTED BY Sierra Nevada

*Must have a valid ID to enter the beer garden.

CIM to Boston!

CIM is the leading Boston Marathon qualifying race in the country, and to celebrate that, we hope you will ring the "BQ Bell", at the finish line when you get your qualifier.

Lock in now for 2022 at the special lowest price of $139 with the "Re-Run" Registration option that opens on Monday, Dec 6.  Limited spots available at the low price.  Look for the "Re-Run" Registration link on the CIM website after the race and in the Virtual Goody Bag!