2026 California International Marathon - Dec 6 Countdown

Q: Is CIM (the California International Marathon) downhill, and is it really that fast?

Yes — CIM is a net-downhill point-to-point from Folsom to the State Capitol with about a 366 ft (111 m) net drop, and it is consistently rated one of the fastest marathon courses in the U.S. But it is not flat: the first 18-21 miles roll over short hills (around +663 ft of total climbing) before the course settles downhill to the finish. Run the early rolling section by effort and you set up a fast last 10K.

Q: Is CIM a Boston qualifier, and what share of finishers qualify?

Yes — CIM is a USATF-certified Boston Marathon qualifying course and a U.S. Olympic Trials qualifier. Its modest, legal net drop combined with cool December weather makes it one of the highest BQ-producing marathons in the country year after year. Check your own target with our Boston Qualifying Calculator before you commit to a pace plan.

Q: How do you register for the California International Marathon?

Entry is open registration (no lottery) through the Sacramento Running Association, but demand is high and the tiered entries sell out fast — the Blue, Orange, and Gold tiers go at record speed. All 2026 tiers are now sold out; check the official SRA site for any waitlist or charity option. For 2027, register the day entry opens.

Q: What is the CIM course elevation and how should I run the downhill?

CIM drops about 366 ft net over the point-to-point route, but with roughly +663 ft of cumulative climbing and -1,003 ft of descent on rolling terrain through the first three-quarters. The classic mistake is hammering the early downhills and blowing out your quads. Practice downhill running in training, hold back early, and let gravity work for you in the final flatter, faster miles into Sacramento.

Q: What time does CIM start and what is the time limit?

The marathon starts at 7:00 a.m. PST in Folsom. CIM enforces a strict 6-hour course cutoff (about a 13:44 per-mile pace); the course reopens to traffic on that schedule and the finish line closes around 1:30 p.m.

Q: Does CIM host the USATF Marathon Championships in 2026?

Yes — CIM was selected to host the USATF Marathon Championships in both 2025 and 2026, so the 2026 race (December 6) doubles as the national championship and draws a deep American elite field alongside the citizen runners.

Q: Where does CIM start and finish, and what is the weather like?

It is a point-to-point race: it starts near Folsom Dam and finishes at the California State Capitol in downtown Sacramento. Early-December mornings are cold (low around 40°F / 4-5°C) with a real chance of valley tule fog or light rain — fast, cool conditions, so dress in throwaway layers you can shed once you warm up.

-- DAYS

-- HRS

-- MIN

-- SEC

Want personality modes & weather integration? Try the full countdown experience

Sold out

Race Information

Race	2026 California International Marathon - Dec 6
City	Sacramento
Date	2026-12-06 at 07:00
Field Size	~8,500 runners
Time Limit	6 hours
Timezone	America/Los_Angeles
Official Site	Sacramento Running Association
Registration	Sold out · Official Site

Race Day Weather

Average Temperature	8°C / 46°F
Humidity	80%
Wind	8 km/h
Rain Chance	30%
Typical Conditions	Cold, often foggy or damp early-December Sacramento Valley morning

What to Prepare: Early December in Sacramento is the cool, fast weather CIM is built for: a typical race-morning low around 40°F / 4-5°C climbing into the low 50s°F, with a real chance of tule fog or light rain off the valley. It can be a near-freezing start. Wear throwaway layers and gloves you can ditch, and use the cold — these are PR conditions, so don't overdress.

Based on historical averages for race week. Use our Weather Score Calculator and What to Wear Guide for personalized advice.

Wind Impact on Race Day

Wind at 8 km/h can affect your marathon pace by 5-15 seconds per kilometer. Headwinds slow you down exponentially — a 20 km/h wind costs more than twice a 10 km/h wind.

Calculate your wind-adjusted pace →

Course Profile

Course Type	Point-to-point
Elevation Gain	202m
Terrain	Road (rolling net-downhill point-to-point)
Profile	A famously fast net-downhill point-to-point from Folsom to the California State Capitol in downtown Sacramento, with a net elevation drop of about 366 ft (111 m) start to finish. It is NOT flat: the first 18-21 miles roll over a series of short hills (about +663 ft / 202 m of total climbing against roughly -1,003 ft of descent), so the secret is restraint early and quad management on the descents. The terrain smooths out and tilts downhill for a fast closing stretch to the Capitol. USATF-certified and one of the highest Boston-qualifier producers in the U.S.; CIM also hosts the 2026 USATF Marathon Championships.
Boston Qualifier	Yes — Check your BQ time

Prepare for 2026 California International Marathon - Dec 6

Use our free training tools to get race-ready:

Running Pace Calculator — Min/km, Finish Time & Pace Chart

Free running pace calculator for 5K, 10K, half marathon, and marathon. Get min/km or min/mile, your ...

Use Calculator →

Free Pace Band Generator — Printable Race Day Wristband

Free printable pace band for marathon, half marathon, or custom distance. Choose even, negative, or ...

Use Calculator →

Marathon Wake-Up Time Calculator — Race Morning Timeline

7 AM race, wake at 3:45 AM? Enter the gun time; we work backward through meal, gear, bathroom, warm-...

Use Calculator →

What to Wear Running by Temperature — Clothing Guide

Enter temperature, wind, and rain to get specific clothing picks for head, torso, legs, hands, and f...

Use Calculator →

Dew Point Running Calculator — Pace Adjustment Chart

Enter temperature and humidity to calculate dew point and its impact on your running pace. 7-zone ch...

Use Calculator →

Elevation Gain/Loss Impact Calculator

How much will hills slow you down? Enter elevation gain, loss, and distance to see adjusted pace, di...

Use Calculator →

View all running tools

Featured In

Best Marathons for a PR 2026 Easiest Boston Qualifying Marathons 2027 Best US Marathons 2026 Best Winter Marathons 2026-2027 BQ Over 50

Frequently Asked Questions

Is CIM (the California International Marathon) downhill, and is it really that fast?

Yes — CIM is a net-downhill point-to-point from Folsom to the State Capitol with about a 366 ft (111 m) net drop, and it is consistently rated one of the fastest marathon courses in the U.S. But it is not flat: the first 18-21 miles roll over short hills (around +663 ft of total climbing) before the course settles downhill to the finish. Run the early rolling section by effort and you set up a fast last 10K.

Is CIM a Boston qualifier, and what share of finishers qualify?

Yes — CIM is a USATF-certified Boston Marathon qualifying course and a U.S. Olympic Trials qualifier. Its modest, legal net drop combined with cool December weather makes it one of the highest BQ-producing marathons in the country year after year. Check your own target with our Boston Qualifying Calculator before you commit to a pace plan.

How do you register for the California International Marathon?

Entry is open registration (no lottery) through the Sacramento Running Association, but demand is high and the tiered entries sell out fast — the Blue, Orange, and Gold tiers go at record speed. All 2026 tiers are now sold out; check the official SRA site for any waitlist or charity option. For 2027, register the day entry opens.

What is the CIM course elevation and how should I run the downhill?

CIM drops about 366 ft net over the point-to-point route, but with roughly +663 ft of cumulative climbing and -1,003 ft of descent on rolling terrain through the first three-quarters. The classic mistake is hammering the early downhills and blowing out your quads. Practice downhill running in training, hold back early, and let gravity work for you in the final flatter, faster miles into Sacramento.

What time does CIM start and what is the time limit?

The marathon starts at 7:00 a.m. PST in Folsom. CIM enforces a strict 6-hour course cutoff (about a 13:44 per-mile pace); the course reopens to traffic on that schedule and the finish line closes around 1:30 p.m.

Does CIM host the USATF Marathon Championships in 2026?

Yes — CIM was selected to host the USATF Marathon Championships in both 2025 and 2026, so the 2026 race (December 6) doubles as the national championship and draws a deep American elite field alongside the citizen runners.

Where does CIM start and finish, and what is the weather like?

It is a point-to-point race: it starts near Folsom Dam and finishes at the California State Capitol in downtown Sacramento. Early-December mornings are cold (low around 40°F / 4-5°C) with a real chance of valley tule fog or light rain — fast, cool conditions, so dress in throwaway layers you can shed once you warm up.