The California International Marathon (CIM), always held the second Sunday after Thanksgiving, is a 26-mile, 385-yard, point-to-point, USATF certified road race. The fast, net-downhill course follows an historic gold-miners' route: it begins at the Folsom Dam, passes through semi-rural Sacramento suburbs into bustling midtown Sacramento, and has a thrilling finish in front of the spectacular California State Capitol. The field of 9,000+ runners receive outstanding support from 2,000+ experienced volunteers. They also enjoy mile-by-mile course entertainment, the cheers of thousands of spectators, and the beautiful fall colors of Sacramento's famous old growth trees. The fast course attracts not only runners seeking a personal best time, a Boston Marathon qualifying time, an Olympic Marathon Trials qualifying time (USATF Course Certification ), but also those hoping to achieve their first marathon finish. In addition, top athletes from all over the world compete for a share of the $50,000 prize money purse and for record times. The CIM is organized by the Sacramento Long Distance Running Association, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
