California International Marathon

Location: Northern California
Country: United States
Website: https://runsra.org/california-international-marathon/
2025 Marathon Date: 05/12/2025
2026 Marathon Date: 06/12/2026
Winning Time 2025: 2:09:29
% Sub-3s: 15-20% # Sub-3s: 1,000-1,999 Total Finishers: 3-10k

The California International Marathon is a long-established December road race in Northern California, widely regarded as one of the fastest and most reliable courses in the United States for marathon performance. Run annually since 1983, the event follows a point-to-point, net-downhill route from Folsom to downtown Sacramento, finishing directly in front of the California State Capitol.

The marathon begins near Folsom Dam, at an elevation of approximately 366 feet above sea level, and steadily descends toward Sacramento, where the finish line sits at around 26 feet. Over the full 42.195 km distance, the course drops by roughly 340 feet (104 metres) overall. This net-downhill profile, combined with wide roads and predictable conditions, has made the race particularly attractive to runners targeting personal bests and Boston Marathon qualifying times.

The early stages of the course feature gentle rolling terrain as runners pass through suburban communities including Orangevale, Fair Oaks and Carmichael. These opening miles require controlled pacing rather than aggressive downhill running. From around the halfway point onward, the course gradually flattens, and the final 10 km is predominantly level, allowing runners to settle into sustained marathon rhythm as they approach Sacramento. The finish through the city centre provides a clean, direct run-in to the State Capitol, reinforcing the race’s reputation as a no-nonsense, performance-focused marathon.

The event was founded in 1983 by John Mansoor and Sally Edwards, inspired by a well-known local training route between Fair Oaks and Folsom. That original concept remains largely intact today, with the course undergoing only minor adjustments over the decades. The marathon is organised by the Sacramento Running Association, a non-profit body, and has grown steadily into one of the ten largest marathons in the United States, typically attracting around 10,000 participants each year from across the country and abroad.

From its early years, the race developed a strong competitive reputation, drawing elite fields and hosting national-level championships. Its selection as host of the USATF Marathon Championships in both 2025 and 2026 reflects its standing within American distance running. Alongside its competitive credentials, the marathon also delivers measurable regional impact, generating significant economic benefit for the Sacramento area and raising substantial funds annually for local charities and community organisations.

Overall, the California International Marathon is defined by consistency, speed and purpose. Its carefully balanced profile, stable December timing and uninterrupted point-to-point layout make it a benchmark event for runners seeking a serious, results-driven marathon experience.