Marathon Registration
December 6, 2026
Welcome to the 2026 California International Marathon
The California International Marathon offers a unique tiered registration system designed to give runners flexibility and choice. Our marathon entries are released on a first-come, first-served basis, with each tier offering a different level of protection — from our lowest-cost “Unprotected Entry” (Blue) with no transfer or deferral options, to our fully flexible “Worry-Free Entry” (Gold) which allows transfers and deferrals.
This system empowers runners to select the price point and level of flexibility that best fits their needs.
Due to unprecedented demand, all three of our standard registration tiers (Blue, Orange, and Gold) sold out at record speed. In response, we are releasing an additional LIMITED amount of Marathon “Worry-Free” (Gold) entries, available through two special opportunities:
- Option 1 (Apply & Wait): Apply for the CIM Gold Entry Draw before May 1st
- Option 2 (Buy Now): Secure a Gold Entry now with a Mandatory Charity Donation
Option 1: Apply for the CIM Gold Entry Draw
If you’d like the chance to receive a 2026 Marathon Gold Entry through our random selection draw, you may enter the drawing by submitting an application before May 1st. We will randomly select a limited number of applicants from the draw pool who will receive our final Marathon Gold Entries.
How It Works:
- Go to the Race Roster registration page.
- Select “Marathon “Worry-Free Entry” (Gold) Draw”.
- Complete all participant information.
- Enter your credit card information.
- Submit your application.
- You will receive an application confirmation email after completing your entry.
- On May 1, a random drawing will take place: If you are selected, your credit card will be charged ($230 + fees) and your registration will be confirmed for the 2026 marathon. If you are not selected, your card will not be charged. Selected participants will receive a confirmation email once payment is processed.
Option 2: Secure a Gold Entry now with a Mandatory Charity Donation
If you prefer to skip the “wait & see” and secure your spot NOW in the 2026 California International Marathon, you may register for a Marathon Gold – Worry-Free Entry + Mandatory Donation.
How It Works:
- Go to the registration page.
- Select “Marathon Gold – Worry-Free Entry + Mandatory Donation.”
- Enter your participant information.
- Select your charity/organization of choice. You can view a full list of our partner charities here.
- Complete checkout by submitting your payment information. You will be charged ($230 race entry + $235 Tax Deductible Donation + fees)
- Once registration is complete, your entry is secured — no drawing required.
(Register Now with a Mandatory Charity Donation) – button
Marathon “Worry-Free Entry” (Gold)
Run in 2026 or Transfer in 2026 or Run in 2027
- Entry to the 2026 marathon
- Transferable to the 2026 Relay (Starting October 1st)
- Transferable to another marathon runner looking to join the 2026 marathon (Starting October 1st)
- Deferrable to the 2027 marathon.
- Non-Refundable (Unless successfully transferred)
$230
Plus fees
Marathon “Standard Entry” (Orange)
Run in 2026 or Transfer in 2026
- Entry to the 2026 Marathon
- Transferable to the 2026 Relay (Starting October 1st)
- Transferable to another marathon runner looking to join the 2026 marathon (Starting October 1st)
- Non-Deferrable
- Non-Refundable (Unless successfully transferred)
$200
Plus fees
Marathon “Unprotected Entry” (Blue)
Run in 2026
- Entry to the 2026 Marathon
- Non-Transferable
- Non-Deferrable
- Non-Refundable
$180
Plus fees
Marathon “Worry-Free Entry” (Gold) $230
The marathon Gold level entry provides the most security in your marathon registration. If you are unable to run the 2026 marathon, this “worry-free” entry will allow you to transfer your bib to the 2026 relay OR transfer your 2026 marathon bib to another runner, OR defer your marathon entry to the 2027 CIM. The marathon Gold entry is non-refundable (unless successfully transferred to another runner), but it DOES allow you to either run, transfer, or defer.
Additional 500 Marathon “Worry-Free” (Gold) entries, available through two special opportunities:
Option 1: Apply for the CIM Gold Entry Drawing $230 ($230 race entry+ fees)
If you are selected your credit card will be charged after 24-48hrs of May 1st & receive a confirmation email shortly after. If selected through the gold entry drawing
Option 2: Secure a Gold Entry now with a Mandatory Charity Donation $500 ($230 race entry + $235 Tax Deductible Donation + fees)
Marathon “Standard Entry” (Orange) $200 – SOLD OUT!
The marathon Orange entry is our standard price option for the 2026 marathon. If you are not able to run the marathon distance, the standard marathon entry will allow you to transfer down to the relay or allow you to transfer your marathon bib to another marathon runner looking for a bib and receive a refund. The marathon Orange entry is non-deferrable and non-refundable (unless successfully transferred to another runner). You must run or transfer in 2026.
Marathon “Unprotected Entry” (Blue) $180 – SOLD OUT!
This unprotected marathon entry provides the lowest price to secure a spot in the 2026 Marathon. The marathon Blue entry is non-transferable, non-deferrable, and non-refundable. Please note that this registration option has no additional safety net, it is the lowest price, but puts you at risk for no registration solution options. You must run the marathon in 2026, and there is no registration solution option available if you are unable to run
****Please Note: Due to course limitations we ask that you respect our six hour marathon time cut-off. Race organizers can not guarantee runner services after the 6 hour mark. This includes: course support, fluids, nutrition, official finisher items such as the finisher medal, or official results.****