California International Marathon
Sacramento, USA · First Sunday of December
Net downhill (~100 m) from Folsom to the State Capitol, but rolling the whole way — it drops in waves rather than one glide. The relentless gentle rollers reward runners who trained hills; more Boston qualifiers per capita than almost any US race.
Course
Elevation gain
202 m
Net elevation
-104 m
Significant net downhill — train the quads
Finishers
~9,000
Month
December
First Sunday of December
Race-day weather
Median start temp
5°C
Historical range
0–12°C
Hot-year risk
Low
Sacramento in December: cold, still mornings, occasional rain. Near-ideal racing conditions most years.
Getting in
Sells out fast. The USA's best-known 'BQ factory' — sells out well ahead of December. Official site ↗
Pacing plans for California International Marathon
Course-adjusted splits for every common goal — not flat even splits, but pacing that matches where this course is fast and where it bites.
Frequently asked questions
Is the California International Marathon a fast course?
Yes — it is one of the fastest marathon courses in the world. The course drops 104 m from start to finish with 202 m of climbing along the way. We rate it 9/10 for PR potential.
What is the weather usually like at the California International Marathon?
The median start-line temperature is around 5°C, with a historical range of roughly 0–12°C. Sacramento in December: cold, still mornings, occasional rain. Near-ideal racing conditions most years.
How do you get into the California International Marathon?
Sells out fast. The USA's best-known 'BQ factory' — sells out well ahead of December.
Is the California International Marathon a Boston qualifier?
Yes — the California International Marathon is a certified course accepted by the B.A.A. for Boston qualifying times. Note that it is not eligible for records due to its point-to-point or net-downhill layout, but that does not affect Boston qualifying.