The California International Marathon is more than a race—it’s a Sacramento tradition with a strong commitment to sustainability. Since 2017, CIM has been a Gold Level Sustainability Certified event through the Council for Responsible Sport, a distinction achieved by only a handful of marathons nationwide. We continue to expand sustainable practices with local and national partners, striving to set the gold standard for environmentally responsible events in our region.

How CIM Is a Force for Good

The California International Marathon creates a positive impact that extends far beyond race day. As part of the Sacramento Running Association’s ongoing commitment to sustainability and community benefit, CIM continually expands its practices to serve the environment, local organizations, and the Sacramento region.

CIM and the Sacramento Running Association remain committed to expanding sustainable practices across all SRA events and setting the gold standard for responsible event production in the region.

What Runners Can Do

CIM’s sustainability success depends on thousands of small choices made by our runners. From the moment you arrive in Sacramento to the time you cross the finish line, you can help us reduce waste, support local partners, and keep our region clean.

Coming to Sacramento

• Review Tina Muir’s free Sustainability Guide for Runners, including eco-conscious travel, hotels, and dining.
• Choose lower-impact travel such as carpooling, transit, or shared rides.

At the Expo

• Donate gently used shoes and clothing at the Goodwill bin.
• Sort all waste using the Sustainability Stations and Help support CIM’s diversion of 4+ tons of waste each year by choosing the correct bin!

At the Start Line

• Throw Us Your Clothes! Discard warm-ups in marked zones or hand them to volunteers in the first two miles. All items are donated.
• Refill your bottles or hydration vests at the Water Monster station to avoid single-use plastic.
• Use the Sustainability Stations for proper waste sorting.

On the Course

• Dispose of trash only at designated locations: aid stations, “last chance” bins past aid stations, and mile-marker waste cans.
• Discard all gel packets in trash bins or use TerraCycle bins at food aid stations. 
• Refill your bottle at aid stations using Water Monsters or volunteers.
  
  Did you know? TerraCycle turns gel wrappers into items like backpacks and benches. Cool!
  
  Did you know? Street sweepers can’t pick up gel packets. A REAL person must individually pick up every wrapper left on the road. Please toss all packets in bins! 

At the Finish Line

• Continue using the Sustainability Stations to sort all waste. Celebratory banana peels can be composted, beer cans can be recycled, and dirty napkins can be tossed in the trash!
• Refill your bottle at finish-area stations instead of using cups.
• Drop gel wrappers in the TerraCycle bins after the finish chute.
• Use the dedicated rideshare zone at Roosevelt Park or carpool home when possible.

Did you know? CIM replaces single-use plastic water bottles with reusable bottles for all finishers. Enjoy a sustainable souvenir!