Your Guide to CIM: What to Expect at the California International Marathon

There’s a moment at CIM that never gets old.
You step off the shuttle in Folsom, and the world is still dark. The air bites a little. You hear thousands of nervous footsteps, see little clouds of breath rising like tiny campfires.

And for a split second, it feels like the whole marathon is taking a deep breath with you.

I’ve run the California International Marathon for more than 10 years now — sometimes the full, sometimes the relay — and every single year, that moment pulls me right back to why I love this sport.

If you want to see how far CIM has come since it began in 1983, the Sacramento Running Association has a great write-up on its origins here:
👉 California International Marathon: How It All Began (Sacramento Running Association)

If you’re running CIM this year, especially for the first time, here’s what you can expect and what I wish every new runner knew.

Race Week: Let the Excitement Build (Without Letting Anxiety Take Over)

One of the best ways to settle pre-race nerves is to make race week feel familiar. CIM helps with that — the whole city begins to buzz with runners by Friday.

The expo at the Sacramento Convention Center is your unofficial mental warm-up. It’s bright, organized, lively, and full of helpful volunteers. It’s also where you’ll really feel like part of the CIM tradition. If you want to preview the course, study the aid stations, or understand the shuttle logistics, the SRA has a great resource here:
👉 Course Information – Elevation, Aid Stations, Logistics (Sacramento Running Association)

And if you’re the type who likes to prep with videos or walkthroughs, the SRA YouTube channel posts great updates and event coverage throughout the year:
👉 Sacramento Running Association – YouTube Channel

Spend some time at the expo. Let the energy calm your nerves. Let the weekend officially begin.

And if your partner or spouse is coming along for the big day, make sure they know what to expect too. I wrote a full guide just for them — what to do, what not to do, and how to actually enjoy race day with you:
👉 A Marathon Partner’s Guide to Surviving (and Loving) Race Day

(Trust me — a prepared partner makes race day better for everyone.)

Race Morning: Cold, Dark, and Beautifully Human

When you step off the shuttle on race morning, prepare yourself: it’s cold. Really cold. And the sun won’t rise for a bit.

Everyone is wrapped in old sweatshirts or makeshift trash-bag ponchos. Everyone looks a little nervous. Everyone’s hands are shaking — from cold, adrenaline, or both.

In my first few CIMs, I wasted energy panicking about how cold I felt. Now, I see it as part of the charm — the weird, shivery, shared moment that makes CIM what it is.

Your job before the gun goes off is simple:
Stay warm and stay relaxed.

Jog lightly in place. Tuck your hands inside your sleeves. Laugh with the people around you. Embrace the experience of being one of thousands of runners all trying to do something hard and meaningful before most of the city is even awake.

It’s a very human moment — and one of my favorites.

The Course: Not a Downhill Marathon — a Smart Marathon

Let’s clear up the biggest misconception right now:
CIM is not a straight downhill marathon.

Yes, it trends down overall — that much is true. But the first half rolls, and those rollers can sneak up on you if your adrenaline takes the wheel.

The mistake I see every year is runners using those early downhills as free speed. Trust me — nothing is free at CIM. The only runners who feel strong in the last six miles are the ones who stayed patient early.

But here’s the short version:

CIM doesn’t reward bravado.
CIM rewards wisdom.

If you can stay relaxed through the early miles — if you can let go of the urge to chase the runners flying past you — the course will pay you back when you need it most.

What to Expect During the Race (The Honest Version)

Here’s what the course maps and official videos won’t tell you:

You’re going to have moments where you feel amazing.
You’re going to have moments where you question everything.
Both are normal.

The early miles might feel slow. That’s good.
The crowds near Fair Oaks might catch you off guard.
The quiet stretch before downtown might feel spiritual or lonely, depending on your mindset.
And when you finally turn toward the Capitol?
You’re going to feel everything at once — pride, relief, surprise, joy.

That’s CIM.

One of my favorite parts of this race is how the city slowly wakes up with you. People step out of their homes. Kids make signs. The crowds grow thicker as you make your way into midtown.

By the time you hit Capitol Mall, the noise is huge, and the feeling is even bigger.

A Quick Note on the Relay

If you’re running with a group and someone is doing the relay, they picked a smart race. The CIM Relay is simple — two runners, one in the first half and one in the second — and it’s a fantastic way to be part of the event.

The second half gets all the glory:
the crowds, the energy, the finish.

If you’re running that leg, soak it in.

Why CIM Is the Perfect First (or Tenth) Marathon

Some races feel chaotic. Some feel lonely. Some feel like you’re fighting them the whole time.

CIM feels different.
It feels steady, reliable, and full of heart.

The Sacramento Running Association has been organizing this race for more than 40 years, and they’ve perfected the art of making runners feel taken care of.

The shuttles run smoothly.
The volunteers are everywhere.
The aid stations are consistent.
The course markings are clear.

You don’t have to worry about anything except moving forward.

And when you run down Capitol Mall with the dome shining in front of you, it all makes sense — why people come back year after year, why this race sells out every time, why CIM has become a December tradition for so many runners.

Final Thoughts

If you’re feeling nervous — good. That means you care.

CIM is special because it gives you a chance to step into your own strength. You get cold mornings, rolling hills, friendly strangers, and a finish line you’ll remember for the rest of your life.

Trust your training.
Stay patient early.
Keep your heart soft and your pace steady.

And when you turn toward the Capitol… let yourself feel everything.

See you out there.

— Coach Francisco