Aug. 17, 2015
For immediate release

Contact:
John Schumacher
schumacher@runsra.org

Sacramento’s marathon remains popular choice

The California International Marathon is headed toward a sixth consecutive sellout, with the event close to

80 percent full more than 3 ½ months before race day.

Race officials expect the 33rd annual race on Dec. 6 to reach its general registration cap of 8,000 runners within the next three weeks.

“August is the month when most runners begin training seriously for the CIM, and with an expected sell-out date right around Labor Day, this month is decision time if you want to join us on the start line in Folsom on Dec. 6,” CIM race director Eli Asch said.  “Excitement around this year’s race is already building, and with our new deferral program, which allows you to roll over your registration from 2015 to 2016 if you’re unable to run this year, there’s no sense in waiting any longer to commit.

“With numerous well-stocked aid stations, a gently rolling net-downhill course, our best-in-the-business pace team, and several new cheer zone locations, runners at the CIM can ride a strong wave of support all the way from the start to the finish at the state Capitol in downtown Sacramento.

“The CIM is the race to run whether you’re chasing a Boston qualifying time, a personal best time or just want to finish and have a good time.”

Marathon growth has exploded since 2000, with the number of U.S. marathons increasing from approximately 300 in 2000 to more than 1,100 in 2013. But the CIM remains strong thanks to its connection to the community and its reputation as an optimal Boston Marathon qualifying course.

The race has grown tremendously since 2005, when it featured 4,000 runners. With 6,238 finishers in 2013, the CIM ranked as the 13th largest marathon in the country.

General registration will close once the limit is reached. Marathoners can register for $150 at www.runcim.org.

Once general registration closes, runners still have two ways to gain a spot in the field.

There are 300 charity entries available at $275 each, with 100 percent of the money going to the SRA’s youth fitness programs. Part of the entry fee ($125) is tax deductible.

Runners who meet the CIM’s time standards – five minutes slower than Boston Marathon qualifying times – are guaranteed entry during a registration window from Oct. 1-Oct. 15. The entry fee is $150.

General registration, charity entries and time-standard entries are expected to push the registration total to 9,000 again.

Spots are still available in the Bank of the West CIM Relay. The entry fee for the four-person relay is $190; high school teams can enter for $50. The relay division cap is 1,000 teams.

The CIM has long enjoyed a reputation as a great race to earn a Boston Marathon qualifying time. The 26.2-mile test from Folsom to the state Capitol is slightly downhill, and weather conditions are normally cool enough to help produce fast times.

The Sacramento Running Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to finding ways to encourage people of all ages and abilities to run. The SRA is committed to developing new, quality running events that appeal to a broad variety of runners.

Other SRA events include the Super Sunday Run on Feb. 7, the Credit Union SACTOWN Five- and Ten-Mile Run on April 3 and the Gold Rush 50k on May 14.

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