Registration

What is a “Worry Free” voucher?

Am I already registered for CIM?

Please visit the* marathon registration page* and select the red “Am I Registered?” button to verify your entry to CIM.

When is the California International Marathon?

The 2023 CIM will be held Sunday, December 3.

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 email info@runsra.org to request a resend of the confirmation email.

What is CIM’s transgender/non-binary athlete inclusion policy?
The California International Marathon encourage participation by transgender and nonbinary participants while respecting the rights and dignity of all entrants and preservation of the integrity of the competition (awards and records).
Gender Identification Policies:
Self Determination:

• Gender of entrant recognized at face value – You are who you say you are
• Gender cannot be challenged unless there is an age group award or record at stake (see Enforcement section below)
• No basis for, or tolerance of any challenge to a participant’s self-declared gender unless an award or record is at stake.

General Rules:

• Trans men will enter the Male category
• Trans women will enter the Female category
• Nonbinary participants will enter the nonbinary category
• Anyone can enter the Male category regardless of gender
• For age group and overall awards, trans and nonbinary athletes may be required to submit medical information if they are challenged (see section below)

Challenge:

• A runner’s self-declared gender at registration will be accepted at face value.
• The only challenge to a participant’s gender could occur if that athlete is up for awards or records in a gendered category.
• In the case of an award finish in a female category CIM Results Verification committee will have sole discretion to review.  No challenges based on gender identity in the male or nonbinary categories are accepted
• Any such challenge must be made in person or writing to the results verification committee (results@runsra.org) with the utmost discretion and respect for the privacy of all parties involved. CIM in its sole discretion will determine whether there is a legitimate basis for the challenge.

Gender Status Review:

• In the event of a challenge, CIM may ask the runner for medical documentation in accordance with World Athletics regulations for transgender athletes
• Transgender participants, at their option, may provide the medical documentation related to their gender transition to the results verification committee prior to the race.
• All information about the runner’s gender identity and medical information, including any information provided pursuant to this policy, shall be kept strictly confidential.
• The final decision regarding the entrant’s gender status for registration purposes shall be within the sole discretion of the CIM Results Verification
• If it is determined that the runner is not in compliance with CIM’s rules for Transgender participants, the participant will be allowed to keep their CIM finisher’s award but any top [3] finisher or age group awards shall be returned.
• CIM will attempt to protect the runner’s privacy interests to the maximum extent possible.

Other event qualifying:

• 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.

Back To Top

Expo and Packet Pick-Up

Where and when is the CIM Expo and packet pick-up? 

The CIM Expo will be held at the SAFE Credit Union Convention Center 1400 J Street Sacramento, CA 95814. The Expo will be open on Friday, December 1 from 12:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m and on Saturday, December 2 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

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.

Back To Top

Transportation

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.

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.

Back To Top

Race

What time does the race start?

Wheeled athletes start at 6:53am. Ambulatory athletes with disabilities start at 6:55am. 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 provided in the FINISH AREA ONLY.  Any items taken on busses, 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 our Finish Area Gear Check service that is open to receive bags beginning on race weekend.

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.

What is the weather at CIM typically like?

Average temperature is in the mid-50s.

Where does the marathon start and finish?

The marathon starts near the Folsom Dam in Folsom. First leg relay runners will start with marathon runners. The scenic 26-mile, 385-yard course runs from Folsom Dam to the State Capitol in downtown Sacramento.

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 marathon course route re-opens at a 6-hour finish time (13:44 minutes/mile pace). The finish line closes shortly after 1:00pm.

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.

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.

Back To Top

Course

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 (nuun), portable toilets and medical personnel.

Is there nutrition available on the course?

GU Gels and fruit will be provided at 4 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.

What do I do if I can’t finish under 6 hours or at all?

There will be a sag bus that will take you to the finish line. If you choose not to take the sag bus 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, mile splits, traffic controls) will be available on the course for runners progressing slower than the 13:44 minute/mile pace. Race management will attempt to provide, but cannot guarantee, race medals, finish times, and refreshments to runners finishing after 6 hours.

Is the CIM a Boston Qualifier?

Yes. Last year almost a third of CIM finishers ran Boston-qualifying times on “the fastest course in the West!”

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.

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.

Where are the timing mat locations on course?

The timing mats are located every 5k, and the halfway point.

Back To Top

General

How do I volunteer for the CIM?

Learn more about volunteer opportunities here. You may also send an email to volunteer@runsra.org.

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.

What are the race records?

The men’s course record was set in 1993 by Jerry Lawson with a time of 2:10:27. The women’s course record was set in 2021 by Sara Vaughn with a time of 2:26:53. All course records can be found here.

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.

Back To Top