Welcome to our live coverage of the 42nd California International Marathon! More than 10,000 runners from around the globe are competing today on one of America’s premier marathon courses, running from Folsom Dam to the California State Capitol in Sacramento.
ABOUT THE CALIFORNIA INTERNATIONAL MARATHON
The California International Marathon has earned a reputation as one of the nation’s premier marathon events, drawing elite athletes and everyday runners alike. Since 1983, this December tradition has become Sacramento’s largest annual sporting event, generating an estimated $15 million in economic impact for the region. Why CIM is Special: Known as the “#BQFactory” and the nation’s top Boston Marathon qualifier race, CIM boasts one of the highest percentages of Boston qualifying times in the country. The course’s net downhill profile and flat finish make it ideal for achieving personal records and hitting those coveted qualifying standards.
THE COURSE
The race follows a stunning point-to-point route through Northern California’s scenic landscape. Starting at Folsom Dam with views of Folsom Lake, runners journey 26.2 miles southwest through suburban Sacramento before finishing triumphantly at the California State Capitol building downtown. The course is celebrated for its gentle downhill gradient and relatively flat final miles, creating optimal conditions for fast times. However, runners must still contend with December weather conditions, and the 6-hour course cutoff (approximately 13:44 minutes per mile) keeps all competitors moving forward.
2025 USATF MARATHON CHAMPIONSHIPS
This year’s race holds added significance as it serves as the host venue for the 2025 USATF Men’s and Women’s Marathon Championships. This designation guarantees an exceptionally deep and competitive elite field, with top American distance runners vying for national titles alongside the thousands of amateur competitors pursuing their own goals.
RACE DAY DETAILS
Key Information: – Start Location: Near Folsom Dam, Folsom, California – Finish Location: California State Capitol, Sacramento – Start Time: 7:00 AM PST (start line closes at 7:30 AM) – Course Reopening: Roads reopen behind runners maintaining approximately 13:44 minute/mile pace – Finish Deadline: 1:30 PM (6-hour limit) – Total Participants: 11,000 (10,000 marathoners + 1,000 relay runners) – Volunteers: 4,000
WEATHER CONDITIONS
December in Sacramento typically brings cool morning temperatures ideal for distance running, though conditions can vary. Runners started this morning in partly cloudy conditions, with temperatures expected to remain comfortable throughout the race window.
THE #BQFACTORY PHENOMENON
CIM’s nickname as the “#BQFactory” isn’t just marketing hype—it’s backed by data. The race consistently produces more Boston Marathon qualifiers than nearly any other marathon in the United States. The combination of the net downhill course profile, December timing (allowing for cooler temperatures), and excellent race organization creates ideal conditions for runners chasing that elusive BQ time. Beyond elite qualification, the race attracts thousands of runners simply seeking personal bests, first-time marathon finishers, and those running for charitable causes. The inclusive atmosphere celebrates every finisher’s achievement, from sub-3-hour marathoners to those crossing the line just before the cutoff.
COMMUNITY IMPACT
Organizing an event of this magnitude requires extraordinary community support. More than 4,000 volunteers donate their time to staff water stations, direct traffic, cheer at course-side, and manage logistics. The Sacramento Running Association, which organizes CIM, has built this event into a beloved local tradition that showcases the region to visitors from across the United States and around the world. Local businesses, hotels, and restaurants benefit from the influx of runners and their supporters, while residents line the course to cheer on complete strangers pushing toward their goals. This community spirit transforms CIM from merely a race into a regional celebration of human perseverance and achievement.
THE CIM RELAY
For those not quite ready to tackle the full 26.2 miles solo, the In-Shape Fitness CIM Relay offers a team-based alternative. Approximately 1,000 relay participants make up two-person teams, dividing the course and sharing the marathon experience. This option has made the event accessible to a broader range of participants while maintaining the energy and excitement of race day.
HISTORICAL CONTEXT
Since its inaugural running in 1983, the California International Marathon has grown from a regional race into a nationally recognized marathon destination. The race has witnessed countless personal triumphs, Olympic Trials qualifications, and served as the training ground and qualifying event for generations of California runners. The consistent December timing has made CIM a fixture on serious marathoners’ calendars, offering a fast course opportunity late in the year for those seeking to qualify for the following spring’s Boston Marathon or other major events.
LIVE RESULTS & TRACKING
Race results are being updated in real-time throughout the event. Spectators can track individual runners using the official race tracking system, watching as their friends, family members, or favorite athletes progress through each mile marker. Official Results: Visit the Sacramento Running Association website for complete, searchable results as runners cross the finish line. Runner Tracking: The RTRT.me app provides real-time GPS tracking for all registered participants.
WHAT MAKES THIS YEAR SPECIAL
Beyond its role as the USATF Marathon Championships host, the 2025 edition of CIM represents a return to full-scale racing excellence. With all entry tiers sold out months in advance—from the budget-friendly “Unprotected Entry” at $180 to the flexible “Worry-Free Entry” at $230—demand for CIM entries remains incredibly strong. The race has evolved its registration system to offer runners flexibility in their commitment, recognizing that life circumstances can change during the months of training leading up to race day. This runner-friendly approach, combined with the fast course and excellent organization, keeps participants returning year after year.
CONCLUSION
Whether you’re watching elite athletes chase national championships, friends pursuing Boston qualifiers, first-time marathoners achieving a lifelong dream, or relay teams celebrating together, today’s California International Marathon showcases the best of distance running. The 42-year tradition continues to inspire runners, unite communities, and prove that with dedication and support, extraordinary achievements are possible. Stay tuned to our livestream coverage as we follow the race from start to finish, bringing you all the excitement, emotion, and inspiration from the 42nd California International Marathon!