Sacramento Running Assocaition header image and home page link

California International Marathon
Community Development Program

The California International Marathon (CIM) is committed to fostering a running community rooted in diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. The Community Development Program is designed to create greater pathways for participation at CIM, especially for individuals and groups historically underrepresented in marathon running. Through this initiative, CIM strives to create a race environment that is safe, accessible, supportive, and welcoming for all runners.

The program offers two avenues for support:

  • RunSac CIM Entry Program – Offers CIM entry opportunities to highly engaged runners in the Sacramento region.
  • Mile 1 Program – for individual first-time marathoners from underrepresented/marginalized communities and others facing barriers to participation.
1. RunSac CIM Entry Program

As demand for the California International Marathon (CIM) grows, the RunSac Entry Program recognizes Sacramento’s most engaged local runners whose year-round participation helps strengthen our local running community.

RunSac Race Series participants who complete a designated number of RunSac Race Series events will earn priority access to a reserved “Blue Level” CIM entry—even after general registration has sold out—providing a protected pathway to participate in CIM for our most engaged Sacramento-area runners.

Learn More & Sign Up
2. Mile 1 Program

The Mile 1 Program celebrates and supports individual first-time marathoners from communities historically underrepresented in marathon running. This program helps ensure that runners of all backgrounds and identities have the opportunity to complete their first marathon at CIM. Accepted applicants will receive a fully comped entry into the marathon.

Eligible first-time marathoners include, but are not limited to:

  • BIPOC individuals
  • Athletes with disabilities
  • LGBTQ+ and non-binary athletes
  • Those experiencing financial barriers to participation
  • Other individuals committed to building a more inclusive running community

If you are a first-time marathoner seeking support, we encourage you to apply for the Mile 1 Program.

The Mile 1 Program Application has closed. The application for the 2026 program will open in January.

Apply for the Mile 1 Program

For questions, accessibility requests, or additional information, please contact info@runsra.org