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.
Page rebuilt 2026-10-01 · race facts not independently verified — confirm dates and 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:
We don’t hold a confirmed date for this edition, so any countdown comes from the date you enter here.
Build your training around California International Marathon.
RunV works backwards from race day to today and rearranges the weeks when life interrupts. It does not adapt to this specific course — the pacing guidance above is where the course knowledge is.
Everything above stays free and complete — this is an optional next step, not a paywall.
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.
