Races Marathon · Sacramento, USA
California International Marathon
California International Marathon is a rolling marathon in Sacramento, USA, held each December. Net-downhill point-to-point from Folsom to the Capitol — rolling through the first half, fast and flat late. A Boston-qualifying favourite. Early December is usually cool, 4-12C; fog more likely than rain. The rises around Sacramento are small but relentless — train on similar terrain and race by effort, not pace.
Last updated 2026-07-03 · confirm dates & entries on the official race site
When
December
every year
Course
rolling
Marathon
Conditions
Early December is usually cool, 4-12C; fog more likely than rain.
Racing this course well
Net-downhill point-to-point from Folsom to the Capitol — rolling through the first half, fast and flat late. A Boston-qualifying favourite.
The rises around Sacramento are small but relentless — train on similar terrain and race by effort, not pace.
Pick your goal for Sacramento
Pace charts, weekly structure and timelines for the most common marathon goals:
Asked often
- When is the California International Marathon?
- It is held each December in Sacramento, USA. Check the official California International Marathon site for the exact date and entry windows.
- Is the California International Marathon course flat?
- Net-downhill point-to-point from Folsom to the Capitol — rolling through the first half, fast and flat late. A Boston-qualifying favourite.
- How should I train for the California International Marathon?
- Build for the course you'll actually race at the California International Marathon: rolling terrain, December conditions. RunV generates a plan for your goal time and rebuilds it every time life interrupts the Sacramento build.
Not sure what to target? Predict your marathon time from a recent race →
More marathon races
Build for Sacramento — around your actual life
RunV engineers your block backwards from race day in December — and rebuilds it every time training doesn't go to script.
