Registration

What is a “Worry Free” voucher?

“Worry Free” registration was implemented for the 2020 running of CIM in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. You can learn more about the policy here.

Am I already registered for CIM 2021?

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

When is the 2021 California International Marathon?

The 2021 CIM will be held Sunday, December 5. Registration opened in early April.

How can I confirm my registration after I sign up online?

Participants that have registered online can confirm their participation immediately. Click* here* to confirm your registration. Be sure to enter in your first name, last name and email exactly like you did when you registered.

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. In the case of an event cancelation, registrants WILL be refunded. Click here for more info on our full refund policy

Is there an age requirement to run CIM, CIM Relay, Capitol 5k or maraFUNrun 5k?

There is no age requirement to run any event at CIM. CIM Board of Directors and staff recommend that you consult your doctor if you have any questions whether you or your child should participate in the race.

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 or call the Sacramento Running Association office at 916-737-2627 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.

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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 3 from 12:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m and on Saturday, December 4 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 by following a few simple steps:

• Complete the Race Packet Pick-Up Authorization Form.
• Have your friend bring the form along with a copy of your photo ID to YOUR designated alphabetical line at the Expo.
• If you plan on picking up multiple bibs, expect to stand in multiple lines.

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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 hotels. More information can be found on the Hotel Information page here.

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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 Saturday Dec. 4.  For more information about Finish Line Gear Check click here.

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 does the Capitol 5k/maraFUNrun 5k start and finish?

The Caitol 5k/maraFUNrun 5k starts at 10th street and L street and finishes at 9th and Capitol Mall near the State Capitol building in downtown Sacramento. Finish line closes at 1:30pm.

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.

What is CIM’s transgender/transsexual athlete inclusion policy?

In accordance with industry standards set by United States Track and Field and the Road Runners Club of America, the California International Marathon times and scores its participants as the gender that they self-identify at the time they register for the race. The athlete must present a government-issued ID at bib number pickup, and the gender identity on that ID must match the gender identity on the bib number. If there is a mismatch, we will address those inquiries on a case-by-case basis.

A registrant may also decline to declare a gender; in which case, they will not be scored by gender, eligible for gender-relevant awards, or listed as part of gender-relevant official results.

As it relates to using CIM performances as a qualifier for the Boston Marathon, CIM’s transgender/transsexual athlete inclusion policy is aligned with Boston Marathon’s policy.

In an effort to facilitating fair competition with regards to gender categorization in instances where an athlete may be eligible for prize money, records, or awards of value, the event follows USATF and International Olympic Committee standards that allow transgender women to compete as women provided they have declared themselves so and meet certain standards for testosterone levels, and transgender men to compete as men with no restrictions.  Any athlete that would like to be considered for our elite athlete field should review the USATF and IOC policies before submitting an application.

Do you have a training program?

Yes! Learn more about the Official CIM Training Program here.

Do you offer pace teams?

Yes, the best in the business! Learn more about the CIM Pace Team presented by New Balance, 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.

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Course

What security procedures do you have in place at CIM?

For information on our security procedures, click 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 (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.

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.

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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 FlashFrame 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 2014 by Volha Mazuronak with a time of 2:27:33. All course records can be found here.

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