Sacramento hosts one of the most respected road races in the country every December, and this year’s edition is December 6. The 2026 California International Marathon sends thousands of runners from Folsom’s foothills to the California State Capitol — 26.2 miles of net-downhill terrain that has made it a go-to race for runners chasing personal records and qualifying times. Whether you’re toeing the start line or watching from the course, here’s what you need to know.
The Route, From Folsom to the Capitol
The race starts near the American River Canyon area of Folsom and runs generally west through Fair Oaks and Carmichael, following Fair Oaks Boulevard through much of the middle section before dropping into Sacramento. The course passes Sutter’s Fort at roughly mile 24.5, close to downtown, and finishes at the California State Capitol.
The mass start is at 7:00 AM. Sweep runners begin at 7:30 AM, and the finish line closes at 1:30 PM, giving runners a six-hour window to complete the course.
What’s New for 2026
Three self-refill water stations are on the course this year, offering water only — no electrolyte mix. Runners who rely on in-race electrolytes should plan to bring their own or depend on the staffed aid stations scattered throughout the course.
Race Registration: Sold Out
All three marathon entry tiers — Gold/Worry-Free ($230), Orange/Standard ($200), and Blue/Unprotected ($180) — are sold out. Two options remain for runners who still want in:
- Transfer entry: Transfer registrations opened October 1 through Race Roster. This is the only way to pick up a marathon bib at this point.
- In-Shape Fitness CIM Relay: Two-person relay spots may still be available. Check runcim.org for current availability.
Expo: December 4–5 at SAFE Credit Union Convention Center
Packet pickup happens only at the CIM Expo — there is no race-day pickup option. The Expo runs at SAFE Credit Union Convention Center, 1400 J Street, Sacramento, CA 95814:
- Friday, December 4: 1:00 PM – 7:00 PM
- Saturday, December 5: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Bring a government-issued photo ID and your confirmation QR code. Someone else can pick up your packet if they bring a copy of your photo ID, your final instructions, and your QR code. They’ll also need to know which relay leg each runner is taking, if applicable. Parking directions for the Expo are listed as TBD on the official site — check runcim.org closer to December.
For Spectators
The course runs through several accessible Sacramento-area neighborhoods, and a few spots stand out for anyone who wants to cheer. Sutter’s Fort at roughly mile 24.5 puts you close to the action with 1.7 miles still to go — runners are focused and the field is strung out by that point, which makes it easier to spot someone in the crowd. The 19th & L Street area at mile 25.3 is the last aid station before the Capitol and a good alternative if you want to be within earshot of the finish. The Capitol’s finish area on L Street between 10th and 11th fills up as the lead runners come in — arrive early if you want a clear view.
The race runs through the morning, with the sweep runners starting at 7:30 AM and the course staying active until the 1:30 PM cutoff. Plan for road closures on Fair Oaks Boulevard, in Carmichael, and in parts of midtown Sacramento for most of the morning.
The Details
- Race date: Sunday, December 6, 2026
- Mass start: 7:00 AM
- Sweep runners start: 7:30 AM
- Finish line closes: 1:30 PM
- Start area: Folsom (near American River Canyon Dr & Oak Ave)
- Finish: California State Capitol, Sacramento
- Expo location: SAFE Credit Union Convention Center, 1400 J Street, Sacramento
- Expo hours: Fri Dec 4, 1–7 PM; Sat Dec 5, 9 AM–5 PM
- Registration: Sold out. Transfer entries via Race Roster; CIM Relay still available.
- Race info: runcim.org
Bottom Line
The 2026 CIM is December 6, with a 7:00 AM start in Folsom and a Capitol finish. For runners still trying to get in, transfer entries through Race Roster are the only path. For spectators, the Sutter’s Fort area at mile 24.5 is one of the more accessible and rewarding spots to watch — and the Capitol finish line is a natural gathering point for the morning. Road closures in Fair Oaks, Carmichael, and midtown will affect driving until early afternoon, so factor that in if you have other Sunday plans.
For other local running events this season, see the Sacramento Turkey Trots guide and the Santa Hustle Roseville 5K and half marathon on December 6.
