Note: This guide does not yet reflect the new split Championship / Mass finish.

The California International Marathon (CIM) is a historic point-to-point race, celebrated for its fast, net-downhill course that has served as a primary Boston Qualifier for over four decades. Known as 'The Fastest Course in the West,' CIM begins in the foothills of Folsom, California, and guides runners on a journey west, concluding at the steps of the California State Capitol in Sacramento.

For more than 40 years, its unchanged route has provided a consistent and reliable platform for runners of all abilities to pursue their marathon goals, from first-timers to Olympic hopefuls.

The race takes place in early December, when historical weather data shows consistently cool and often ideal running conditions. With a 7:00 AM start, you can expect temperatures around 6-7°C, gradually warming into the low to mid-teens (13-15°C) by the finish. The chance of significant rain remains typically low, and winds are generally not a major factor, creating favorable conditions for performance. Plan to wear layers you can shed as the morning progresses.

While famous for its net elevation drop of over 90 meters, the CIM course presents a deceptively nuanced challenge rather than a simple downhill sprint. The first half features a continuous series of rolling hills—not long, sustained climbs, but rather short, punchy ascents and descents that require disciplined pacing and careful effort management.

After the halfway point, the course progressively flattens out. The final 10 kilometers into downtown Sacramento are almost entirely flat, offering an excellent opportunity for a strong, fast finish if you've managed your energy wisely through the initial rolling terrain.

• Event Date: December 7, 2025
• Event Type: Road Marathon
• GPX Course Length: 42.2 km
• Course Type: Point to Point
• TrailScore: 37.23
• Total Ascent: 194.25 m
• Total Descent: 290.5 m
• Longest Uphill:
  • Starting at Kilometer 19.62, 0.5 km at an average grade of 1.45%
• Longest Downhill:
  • Starting at Kilometer 3.48, 0.84 km at an average grade of -1.75%
• Steepest Uphill:
  • Starting at Kilometer 17.96, 0.33 km at an average grade of 3.72%
• Steepest Downhill:
  • Starting at Kilometer 16.47, 0.16 km at an average grade of -4.82%
• Significant Climbs:
  • There are a total of 6 significant climbs on the course.
• Significant Descents:
  • There are a total of 9 significant descents on the course.
• Grade Distribution:
  • Flat: 58.3%
  • Minor Decline: 20.9%
  • Minor Incline: 13.8%
  • Moderate Decline: 4.3%
  • Moderate Incline: 2.8%

The California International Marathon begins before sunrise with a 7:00 AM start near the Folsom Dam, immediately introducing you to the course's defining characteristic: rolling hills. This section features a constant series of short ascents and descents as the route winds from Folsom through Orangevale and into Citrus Heights.

While the net-downhill profile might seem advantageous, it's actually deceptive—your legs will be working hard on both the inclines and declines, making a conservative effort essential.

Your primary goal in these opening kilometers is to establish a comfortable, controlled rhythm while resisting the adrenaline-fueled urge to push the pace. The route follows Folsom-Auburn Road before transitioning to Oak Avenue and eventually Fair Oaks Boulevard, taking you through suburban neighborhoods where early-morning spectators offer encouragement.

Energy management through this section proves critical. Give proper respect to the four notable climbs here to preserve your strength for the flatter, faster second half of the race.

• Respect the Early Rollers: The first 16 kilometers feature a series of short but frequent hills. Adopt a disciplined, even-effort approach to conserve energy for when the course flattens out.
• Bank Energy, Not Time: The early net-downhill profile will tempt you to run faster than goal pace. It's crucial to control your speed on the descents to prevent premature quadriceps fatigue that will cost you later.

• Climb #1: Km 1.49 to Km 1.82, 0.33 km, avg grade 3.28%, total gain 10.82 m
• Climb #2: Km 2.15 to Km 2.31, 0.16 km, avg grade 3.72%, total gain 6.1 m
• Climb #3: Km 6.15 to Km 6.32, 0.16 km, avg grade 3.63%, total gain 5.99 m
• Climb #4: Km 12 to Km 12.33, 0.33 km, avg grade 2.87%, total gain 9.44 m

• Descent #1: Km 1 to Km 1.49, 0.49 km, avg grade -2.81%, total drop 13.84 m
• Descent #2: Km 1.98 to Km 2.15, 0.17 km, avg grade -3.04%, total drop 5.05 m
• Descent #3: Km 2.48 to Km 2.65, 0.17 km, avg grade -4.7%, total drop 7.9 m
• Descent #4: Km 4.15 to Km 4.32, 0.17 km, avg grade -3.36%, total drop 5.64 m
• Descent #5: Km 4.65 to Km 4.82, 0.17 km, avg grade -3.22%, total drop 5.36 m

• Station 1 - American River Canyon & Oak (Km 3.5)
  • Offerings: Water, Precision Hydration Carb & Electrolyte Drink Mix
  • Toilet: Yes
• Station 2 - Beech & Oak (Km 6.8)
  • Offerings: Water, Precision Hydration Carb & Electrolyte Drink Mix
  • Toilet: Yes
• Station 3 - Woodmore Oaks & FOB (Km 10.3)
  • Offerings: Water, Precision Hydration Carb & Electrolyte Drink Mix, PF 30 Energy Gels, PF 30 Caffeine Gels, PF30 Chews & Fruit
  • Toilet: Yes
• Station 4 - Madison & FOB (Km 13.7)
  • Offerings: Water, Precision Hydration Carb & Electrolyte Drink Mix
  • Toilet: Yes

• In-Shape Family Fitness Cheer Zone (~Km 12.9) (Spectator Zone): A designated spectator zone located at Fair Oaks Blvd & McCain Rd.

This long middle section marks a distinct transition as the course leaves the more pronounced rolling hills behind. After passing through the historic village of Old Fair Oaks around kilometer 16, the route continues along Fair Oaks Boulevard through Carmichael and into the Arden Park neighborhood.

While there are still some undulations, including the final two significant climbs of the race, the terrain becomes progressively flatter and more forgiving. This is the heart of the marathon, where you can find your rhythm and lock into your goal pace.

The tree-lined boulevard offers consistent scenery, with several designated cheer zones providing encouragement along the way. The primary challenge through this stretch is maintaining mental focus and steady effort, using the flatter profile to run efficiently without overextending.

You'll cross the halfway point early in this segment, a key mental checkpoint on your journey to Sacramento.

• Settle In, Don't Surge: As the hills diminish, the temptation is to increase your speed. The challenge is to settle into a sustainable marathon effort, staying patient and conserving energy for the final push.
• Embrace the Breakthrough Zone: Around kilometer 32 (the 20-mile mark), you'll encounter the CIM Breakthrough Zone. This area demands mental toughness to push through fatigue as the finish line draws closer. Use the crowd's energy here.

• Climb #5: Km 16.8 to Km 17.13, 0.33 km, avg grade 2.73%, total gain 9.04 m
• Climb #6: Km 17.96 to Km 18.29, 0.33 km, avg grade 3.72%, total gain 12.34 m

• Descent #6: Km 16.47 to Km 16.63, 0.16 km, avg grade -4.82%, total drop 7.9 m
• Descent #7: Km 17.3 to Km 17.8, 0.5 km, avg grade -3.71%, total drop 18.45 m
• Descent #8: Km 18.96 to Km 19.62, 0.66 km, avg grade -2.39%, total drop 15.81 m
• Descent #9: Km 28.46 to Km 28.63, 0.17 km, avg grade -3.15%, total drop 5.27 m

• Station 5 - Old Fair Oaks (Km 16.1)
  • Offerings: Precision Hydration Carb & Electrolyte Drink Mix
  • Toilet: Yes
• Station 6 - Hollister & FOB (Km 19.3)
  • Offerings: Precision Hydration Carb & Electrolyte Drink Mix
  • Toilet: Yes
• Station 7 - Sutter & FOB (Km 21.9)
  • Offerings: Water, Precision Hydration Carb & Electrolyte Drink Mix, PF 30 Energy Gels, PF 30 Caffeine Gels, PF30 Chews & Fruit
  • Toilet: Yes
• Station 8 - El Camino & FOB (Km 24.3)
  • Offerings: Water, Precision Hydration Carb & Electrolyte Drink Mix
  • Toilet: Yes
• Station 9 - Walnut & FOB (Km 26.6)
  • Offerings: Water, Precision Hydration Carb & Electrolyte Drink Mix
  • Toilet: Yes
• Station 10 - Savirien & FOB (Km 28.8)
  • Offerings: Water, Precision Hydration Carb & Electrolyte Drink Mix
  • Toilet: Yes
• Station 11 - Watt & FOB (Km 31.2)
  • Offerings: Water, Precision Hydration Carb & Electrolyte Drink Mix
  • Toilet: Yes
• Station 12 - Monroe & FOB (Km 32.8)
  • Offerings: Water, Precision Hydration Carb & Electrolyte Drink Mix
  • Toilet: Yes

• Fair Oaks History Center & Museum (~Km 16.14): Runners pass by the local history museum in the village of Old Fair Oaks.
• In-Shape Family Fitness Halfway Point (~Km 21.1) (Spectator Zone): A major spectator zone located at the halfway mark of the marathon.
• In-Shape Family Fitness Relay Exchange Zone (~Km 26.6) (Spectator Zone): A key spectator point and relay exchange zone for marathon relay teams.
• CIM Breakthrough Zone (~Km 32.2) (Spectator Zone): Located near the 20-mile mark, this cheer zone is strategically placed to help runners push through the most challenging part of the race.

The final section of the CIM is where strong finishes are made and Boston qualifying dreams are realized. After crossing the H Street Bridge over the American River, the course enters the city of Sacramento and becomes almost completely flat. You'll head down J Street, past the historic Sutter's Fort, before making the turn onto L Street for the final push into downtown.

The cityscape provides a welcome change of scenery, and the crowds grow thicker and louder, providing a surge of energy when you need it most. This is a pure test of endurance and what remains in the tank. With no hills to contend with, your pace is dictated solely by your fitness and determination.

The route culminates with a final turn onto Capitol Mall, offering a spectacular view straight to the finish line with the California State Capitol building as the backdrop. This iconic finish serves as a powerful motivator to empty the tank and cross the line with pride. For many runners, this moment represents months of training and the achievement of hard-earned goals.

• Stay Mentally Engaged: The final, flat kilometers can feel relentless when you're fatigued. The primary challenge is to maintain focus, hold your form together, and tick off the final city blocks one by one.
• Use the Turns as Checkpoints: The course makes key turns from J Street to Alhambra, then L Street, and finally Capitol Mall. Know these are coming, and use each turn as a mental checkpoint to break down the final stretch and prepare for the finish.

• None.

• None.

• Station 13 - Howe & FOB (Km 34.4)
  • Offerings: Water, Precision Hydration Carb & Electrolyte Drink Mix, PF 30 Energy Gels, PF 30 Caffeine Gels, PF30 Chews & Fruit
  • Toilet: Yes
• Station 14 - Elvas Bridge (Km 35.9)
  • Offerings: Water, Precision Hydration Carb & Electrolyte Drink Mix
  • Toilet: Yes
• Station 15 - 40th & J St. (Km 37.8)
  • Offerings: Precision Hydration Carb & Electrolyte Drink Mix
  • Toilet: Yes
• Station 16 - Sutter's Fort (Km 39.4)
  • Offerings: Water, Precision Hydration Carb & Electrolyte Drink Mix
  • Toilet: Yes
• Station 17 - 19th & L St. (Km 40.7)
  • Offerings: Water, Precision Hydration Carb & Electrolyte Drink Mix
  • Toilet: Yes

• Sutter Health Never Stop Zone (~Km 39.4) (Spectator Zone): A high-energy spectator zone on 28th & L Street to support runners in the final kilometers.
• Sutter's Fort State Historic Park (~Km 39.77): Runners pass this historic landmark, a central site in the history of the California Gold Rush, on their way to the finish.
• Finish Line Spectator Bleachers (~Km 42.2) (Spectator Zone): Bleachers located on Capitol Mall near the finish line for spectators to cheer on runners as they complete the marathon.
• California State Capitol (~Km 42.2): The finish line is set against the backdrop of the historic California State Capitol building.