General Marathon Information
(All information subject to change)
Date / Time / Place:
The marathon will begin promptly at 7:00 a.m. on Sunday, December 7, 2025, near the Folsom Dam in Folsom. The scenic 26-mile, 385-yard course runs from Folsom Dam to the State Capitol in Sacramento.
Course Re-Open:
- The start line will close at 7:30 a.m. sharp
- The marathon course route re-opens at a 6-hour finish pace (13:44 minutes/mile pace)
- A California Highway Patrolman in a vehicle traveling at approximately 13:44 minutes per mile will open the roads behind his car to regular traffic.
- No race services (fluid stations, mile splits, traffic controls) or finish services (race medals, finish times, refreshments) can be guaranteed for runners finishing after 6 hours.
- Finish line will close at 1:30 p.m. sharp
Marathon Divisions:
Age divisions are determined by age of entrant on race day.
- Custom awards will be mailed to the top three finishers in the divisions listed below
- 5-Year Age Divisions: 19 & younger, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80 & older
- Pushrim Wheelchairs
- Non-Binary
- Click here for information on how to be included in our elite field and/or seeded start.
Event Rules:
Please visit the CIM Event Rules page for additional information.
Bib Number:
All CIM participants must wear an official bib number on the front of their body, pinned to their outer layer of clothing. Numbers must be fully visible at all times (not cut, folded or obscured). Runners who run without their bib properly attached and displayed risk not having their finish time and split times recorded and not being listed in the results.
Gear Check:
THERE ARE NO GEAR CHECK SERVICES OFFERED AT THE START LINE. Gear check services are available during operating hours at the CIM Expo and during Bus Loading at the SAFE Credit Union Convention Center.
Gear Check operating hours at the SAFE Credit Union Convention Center:
- Friday, December 5 at the CIM Expo – Between 12:00 pm – 7:00 pm
- Saturday, December 6 at the CIM Expo – Between 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Sunday, December 7 outside the SAFE Credit Union Convention Center’s west lobby between 13th Street and 14th Street – Between 4:00 am – 4:30 am
Any items taken on buses, shuttles, or to the start area will NOT be returned to you. All items discarded at the start line or in the first 2 miles of the course will be donated to local charities.
If there are personal items or clothing that you want at the finish line after the race, you can use the Gear Check services listed above.
Retrieving Gear Bags After the Race in the CIM Finish Area:
- Sunday December 7 at the Finish Area
- 9:30am-2:00pm
- Bags will be transported from SAFE Credit Union Convention Center and available for pick-up by participants in the CIM Finish Area
Gear Check Reminders:
- Only official clear gear check bags provided at packet pick-up will be accepted
- Clearly write bib number on bag with provided permanent markers
- Event is not responsible for lost or damaged items
- NO gear check services are provided in the start area; any gear discarded at the start will be thrown away or donated
- If you are a nursing mother, read about our Lactation Station in the Race tab of our Frequently Asked Questions section
- Participants retrieve their gear check items in the Finish Area after the race; bags will be transported from the Expo/Convention Center to the Finish Area on race morning
- Gear Check bags not retrieved on race day in the finish area will be held by race management for 2 weeks after the race; it is the participant’s responsibility to contact race management to coordinate retrieval of their items within two weeks of race day
Aid Stations:
- There will be 17 aid stations staffed by cheering volunteers from local schools, service clubs, and community groups.
- Each aid station will have water, sports drink, medical personnel, and portable toilets.
- Info on flavor and brand of fueling and hydration products available on the course is available HERE.
- Energy Gels and fruit will be provided at 3 locations on course.
California International Marathon Adaptive Program:
The Adaptive Program of the California International Marathon (CIM) is intended for athletes with physical or visual impairments who require accommodations to take part in the California International Marathon. Click here for more information about the program.
Please visit the* marathon registration page* and select the red “Am I Registered?” button to verify your entry to CIM.
Is there an age limit to run CIM?
We do not recommend runners under the age of 16 engage in an event as physically challenging as a marathon.
If a runner under the age of 16 wishes to participate, they need to file a Special Consideration Request and may be required to be accompanied by a registered adult participant for the entirety of the event. Please contact info@runsra.org for the Special Consideration Request form.
What if the race is canceled?
CIM intends to be held rain or shine–a little weather won’t stop us! However, the Sacramento Running Association reserves the right to cancel the race at any time at its sole discretion. Causes for race cancelation may include (but are not limited to) hazardous and potentially dangerous weather, unsafe course conditions, or governmental intervention. Click here for more info on our full refund policy
How can I make a change to my registration information (i.e. misspelling, address, e-mail, t-shirt size)?
You can e-mail info@runsra.org with “Change of Information” in the subject line and a member of our staff will assist you. Please contact us before November 1, any other changes must be made at the solutions desk at the expo. Note: T-shirt sizes CAN NOT be changed after November 1.
I didn’t receive/deleted a payment confirmation email after I registered? Can you resend it to me?
Please log into your Race Roster account and click the confirmation number linkin the appropriate event or email info@runsra.org to request a resend of the confirmation email.
Does CIM offer postpartum/pregnancy deferrals or transfers?
Yes. In the case of postpartum or pregnancy, the majority of CIM entry types offer flexibility—including options to transfer for a full refund or defer to the following year without medical documentation. Unlike many other marathons, these registration options are built-in to accommodate major life changes.
For entry types without built-in protections (such as Affiliated Charity or Unprotected Entries), we offer a Special Consideration process. Reach out to info@runsra.org and we’ll work with you to find the best solution.
What is CIM’s athlete gender inclusion policy?
- CIM provides entrants of all gender identities the opportunity to participate authentically in the marathon in an inclusive environment free from discrimination.
- CIM recognizes the growing number of gender diverse individuals participating in sport and proudly supports race registration in a non-binary category.
- CIM participants should enter the category consistent with their gender and personal experience.
- Runners may update their profile by 11/15
- Race results will display by gender category: man, woman, or non-binary
- As it relates to using CIM as a qualifier for other events (ie Boston Marathon, New York Marathon, US Olympic Trials, etc.), participants must be aware and follow the regulations of those events specifically in the case that they differ from CIM’s policies and regulations.
If I am a vendor interested in purchasing booth space the expo, or if I am interested in promoting my race, product, charity, etc., who should I contact?
Expo exhibitor information can be found here.
Do I have to pick up my participant packet, participant bag and race shirt at the Expo?
Yes. All participants must pick up their event-issued bib number, technical shirt and Participant Bag at the CIM Expo. We do not mail out participant packets, bags or shirts that are not picked up at the CIM Expo. There is NO race day packet pick-up!
Can I pick up my participant packet, participant bag and race shirt on the day of the race?
There is NO race day packet pick-up!
Can a friend pick up my packet for me if I cannot attend the expo?
Yes. You may have someone else pick up your packet for you. Learn more here.
The marathon course is point-to-point. What’s the best way to get to the start?
Take the bus! Detailed information about getting to the start is available here.
Can I drive myself or be dropped off at the start line?
No. All participants MUST use one of the start line buses. More information is available here.
Do I need to pay for my bus or shuttle transportation to the start?
No. Bus and shuttle transportation from the designated pick-up locations is part of the marathon and relay registration. There are no additional fees. Learn more about getting to the start here.
Do you have recommendations on where runners should stay?
Yes. The Sacramento Running Association has identified several area partner hotels. A detailed map with hotel information can be found here.
How do I get back to my hotel after the race?
Runners staying at partner hotels in Folsom, and Point West, will receive bus transportation back to their hotel area. More information can be found on the Hotel Information page here.
What time does the race start?
Wheeled athletes and ambulatory athletes with disabilities start at 6:53am. Marathon mass start at 7:00 am. First leg relay runners will start with mass start marathon runners.
Can I bring a bag with me to the start?
THERE ARE NO GEAR CHECK SERVICES OFFERED AT THE START LINE. Gear check services are available during operating hours at the CIM Expo and during Bus Loading at the SAFE Credit Union Convention Center.
What can I do if I have special medical items/needs at the startline or finish line?
Please contact info@rungsra.org for special accomodations.
What lactation accommodations are available at CIM?
Start Area Lactation Area:
- An enclosed area designed exclusively for participants to pump pre-race is located at the Baja Fresh restaurant at the Start Area. The semi-private Lactation Area is a multi-user lactation space equipped with tables, chairs, power outlets, hand sanitizer and sanitizing wipes. A restroom is available inside the restaurant.
- There will be designated bins inside the Lactation Area for participants to discard their breast milk. We kindly request that participants discard their breast milk in these bins.
- Breast Pump Transport: Participant’s personal breast pumps will be transported in clear gear check bags from the Start Area to the Gear Check pick-up at the Finish Area for participants to pick-up post-race.
Will the race transport breast milk from the Start Area to the Finish Area?
Unfortunately we are unable to store or transport breast milk safely at this time. We recognize the value of expressed breast milk and the sensitivity of asking lactating individuals to dispose of it. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
Where do I drop off my breast pump at the Start Area?
There will be designed staff and volunteers at the Lactation Area at the Start to assist participants. When you have finished using your breast pump, please place your equipment in a provided gear bag, write your bib number clearly on the bag, and hand it to the staff/volunteers in the Lactation Area for transport to the Finish Area Gear Check pick-up area.
Where do I pick up my breast pump after crossing the Finish Line?
After crossing the Finish Line, please proceed to the Gear Check pick-up area to retrieve your Gear Check Bag containing your breast pump. Let the volunteer team at the Gear Check pick-up area know that you need to pick-up your breast pump, as it will be staged in a different container than the rest of the gear check bags.
How much time will I have before the race to use the Lactation Area at the Start?
If you anticipate using the Lactation Area at the Start, we recommend allotting the time you spend on average for pumping plus 15-20 minutes of waiting time (in the case the Lactation Area is fully occupied) in your planning for race day.
Where are the relay exchange zones?
- 1st runner starts with the marathoners at 7 a.m. near Folsom Dam (click here for more info on getting to the Start)
- 2nd runner starts near the 13.5-mile mark at 4010 Manzanita Avenue (Manzanita Ave. & Fair Oaks Blvd.)
Is there a time limit to complete the marathon?
Yes. The Start Line closes at 7:30am sharp and the marathon course route re-opens at a 6-hour finish pace (13:44 minutes/mile pace). The finish line closes at 1:30pm SHARP.
If you are unable to finish within the 6-hour pace window, there will be buses that will transport you to the finish line. If you choose not to take the buses and you fall behind the CHP sweep vehicle, you must proceed on the road shoulders or sidewalks, and you are subject to pedestrian traffic laws of the City or the County of Sacramento. No race services (fluid stations, medical services, mile splits, traffic control, etc.) or finish services (race medals, finish times, recovery and finisher items, medical services, etc.) can be guaranteed for runners after the 6 hour pace cutoffs.
Does the CIM have start corrals?
For information on start staging click here.
Do you offer pace teams?
Yes, the best in the business! Learn more about the CIM Pace Team and all Pace Team leaders here.
How many aid stations are on the course?
There will be 17 aid stations staffed by cheering volunteers from local schools, service clubs, and community groups. Each will have water, an electrolyte replenisher fluid, portable toilets and medical personnel.
Is there nutrition available on the course?
Gels and fruit will be provided at 3 aid stations on the course.
Are hydration packs allowed on course?
Yes you may wear a hydration pack on the course. CIM allows hydration vests, fanny packs, belts, hand held, and other hydration devices on course. However please recognize we do have a no bag (large bags, backpacks, etc.) policy throughout the entire event/course.
Can I run with an iPod/headphones?
Prize money winners, Invited Elite Athletes, and athletes competing in the Pacific Association USATF Road Grand Prix are not allowed to wear electronic listening devices. For other runners, the use of headphones is strongly discouraged, and if directed by a race official to cease such use, the entrant must comply promptly.
Are skates, skateboards, bikes or carriages of any kind allowed on the CIM course?
No. No bicycles, unicyles, tricycles, inline skates, blades, skateboards, or strollers! If a medical condition requires that you use a handcrank or other non-tradtional wheelchair to participate in CIM please see our event rules page for our USATF ADA accomodations policy.
Where are the timing mat locations on course?
The timing mats are located every 5k, and the halfway point.
How do I volunteer for the CIM?
Learn more about volunteer opportunities here. You may also send an email to volunteer@runsra.org.
Is the CIM a Boston Qualifier?
Yes. CIM is certified and sanctioned by USATF and is a Boston Marathon Qualifying course. It is a top Boston Qualifier race with over a 32% qualifying rate. With a net elevation drop of 366 feet (111.5 meters), the CIM course falls well within Boston Marathon Index standards and is NOT subject to any index penalties or time adjustments. More information regarding the qualifying process can be found on the B.A.A. website here.
I live along the race course. Where can I find out about race day street closures?
Join the fun! Residents are encouraged to visit the free CIM Expo, volunteer during race weekend, and/or line the course to cheer runners. Information about road closures can be found here.
What is the weather at CIM typically like?
Average temperature is in the mid-50s.
Will my family and friends be able to track me during the race?
Yes. Runner tracking will be available prior to the event. Information will be available on the home page of this site during race week.
Do you score the race by gun time or chip time?
Age group awards are determined by chip time, and chip time is used to determine Boston qualifying times. Monetary awards are determined by gun time.
Where can I purchase my photos following the race?
A link to the official race photos provided by MarathonPhoto will be posted on the Results & Photos page here shortly after the CIM.
Are there age group and division awards?
Yes. Age group and division awards will be mailed approximately 8 weeks following the event.