The 42nd annual California International Marathon arrives this Sunday, Dec. 7, bringing an estimated 10,000 runners and spectators to Folsom and the Sacramento region. Thousands are expected to line the streets as the race makes its way from the starting line in Folsom to the State Capitol, and residents should prepare for early morning road closures throughout the area.
The marathon begins at the intersection of Folsom Auburn Road and Folsom Lake Crossing at 7 a.m. before continuing through Orangevale, Citrus Heights, Fair Oaks, Carmichael, and Sacramento. Road closures include Folsom-Auburn Road from Folsom Dam Road to Greenback Lane, Folsom Lake Crossing Road from East Natoma Street to Folsom-Auburn Road, and Oak Avenue Parkway from Folsom-Auburn Road to Santa Juanita Avenue. Closures begin as early as 3 a.m., with roads scheduled to reopen at approximately 10 a.m. Detours will be clearly marked for local traffic.
The California International Marathon was founded in 1983 by the Sacramento Running Association, a nonprofit dedicated to promoting running for all ages and abilities. The event annually generates an estimated $10 million in economic activity for Sacramento County and is both a Boston Marathon and U.S. Olympic Trials Marathon qualifier.
Spectators planning to cheer along the route will find numerous designated cheer zones throughout the 26.2-mile course.Casa Roble High School Cheerwelcomes runners at Mile 3.1 at Casa Roble Fundamental High School, whileCasa Roble Jr. Ramsgreet participants at Mile 5 at Oak and Kenneth. TheAsics Cheer Zoneat Mile 10.1 appears at Fair Oaks Boulevard and California Avenue in Old Town Fair Oaks.
Red Bull and In-Shape Fitnesshost the official halfway-point cheer station at Mile 13.1 at Fair Oaks Boulevard and Delaware Avenue, followed by theIn-Shape Relay Exchangeat Mile 13.4 at Fair Oaks and Manzanita. Additional cheer stations includeCanine Companionsat Mile 14.1, theCIM Breakthrough Zoneat Mile 17,Precision Fuel & Hydrationat Mile 19.4,Athletaat Mile 20.5,Nth Degreeat Mile 21,BURN RunningandRunning 4 Rhettbetween Miles 21.5 and 21.6,CSUS Danceat Mile 22,Mercy Generalat Mile 23.5,Corremos SacramentoandSutter Healthbetween Miles 24.2 and 24.4,Fleet Feetat Mile 25, and theUnofficial Run Clubat Mile 25.4.
Spectators heading downtown for the finish are encouraged to arrive early. All public entrances to the finish area are located on the south side along N Street and can be accessed through the 9th and N Street Gate or the 10th and N Street Gate. Security screenings will be in place.
The Championship finish zone will be open for men running under 2:20 and women under 2:40, with the men’s cutoff at 9:20 a.m. and the women’s at 9:40 a.m., and prime viewing available from the median near 9th and Capitol Mall. Bleacher seating for the mass finish is located near 7th and Capitol Mall.
A Runner Reunion Zone will be located on the Capitol Mall median between 8th and 9th Streets, with alphabetical A–Z meeting points to help runners reconnect with family and friends. After reunifying, participants and spectators can enjoy the Post-Race Party Zone at Capitol Mall and 10th Street, with food trucks, coffee, and refreshments. Runners can redeem their complimentary burrito and Firestone Walker beer, with additional beverages available for purchase.
A look back at the 2024 race highlights the competitive field returning to Sacramento this weekend. Last year’s champions delivered course-record performances, withTsegay Weldlibanoswinning the men’s division in 2:07:35, setting a CIM course record.CJ Albertsonfinished second in 2:10:06, followed byNick Haugerin 2:11:55. In the women’s division, Great Britain’sCalli Hauger-Thackerybroke the existing course record with a winning time of 2:24:28.Jacqueline Gaughanfinished close behind in 2:24:40, andStephanie Brucesecured third place in 2:28:41. The performances further strengthened CIM’s reputation as one of the nation’s premier fast-marathon courses.
Below is a summary of road closures throughout the region on race day:
MILE 0
Folsom Lake Crossing and Folsom-Auburn Road in Folsom
3 a.m. to 10 a.m.MILE 1
Folsom-Auburn Road and Oak Avenue Parkway in Folsom
5:20 a.m. to 10 a.m.MILE 2
American River Canyon Drive and Oak Avenue in Folsom, 5:20 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
Santa Juanita Avenue and Oak Avenue in Orangevale, 5:20 a.m. to 9:45 a.m.MILE 3
April Street and Oak Avenue in Orangevale
6:50 a.m. to 8:20 a.m.MILE 4
Beech and Oak avenues in Orangevale
6:50 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.MILE 5
Wachtel Way and Oak Avenue in Orangevale
6:50 a.m. to 8:50 a.m.MILE 6
Oak Avenue and Fair Oaks Boulevard in Orangevale
6:50 a.m. to 9 a.m.MILE 7
Woodlake Hills Drive and Fair Oaks Boulevard in Citrus Heights
6:50 a.m. to 9:20 a.m.
Greenback Lane
6:50 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.MILE 8
Niessen Way and Fair Oaks Boulevard in Orangevale
7:05 a.m. to 9:35 a.m.
Madison Avenue and Fair Oaks Boulevard in Orangevale
7:05 a.m. to 9:40 a.m.MILE 9
Dorian and Fair Oaks Boulevard in Orangevale
7:05 a.m. to 10 a.m.MILE 10
Winding Way and Fair Oaks Boulevard in Fair Oaks
7:05 a.m. to 10:10 a.m.
Sunrise Boulevard
7:05 a.m. to 10:10 a.m.MILE 11
New York Avenue and Fair Oaks Boulevard in Fair Oaks
7:05 a.m. to 10:20 a.m.MILE 12
Hollister Avenue and Fair Oaks Boulevard in Fair Oaks
7:05 a.m. to 10:40 a.m.MILE 13
California Avenue and Fair Oaks Boulevard in Fair Oaks
6:15 a.m. to 10:50 a.m.
Manzanita Avenue
6:15 a.m. to 11 a.m.MILE 14
Grant Avenue and Fair Oaks Boulevard in Carmichael
7:30 a.m. to 11:10 a.m.MILE 15
Kenneth Avenue and Fair Oaks Boulevard in Carmichael
7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.MILE 16
Garfield and Fair Oaks Boulevard in Carmichael
7:30 a.m. to 11:40 a.m.MILE 17
Paloma Avenue and Fair Oaks Boulevard in Arden Arcade
7:30 a.m. to 11:55 a.m.MILE 18
Saverien Drive and Fair Oaks Boulevard in Arden Arcade
7:30 a.m. to noonMILE 19
Coronado Boulevard and Fair Oaks Boulevard in Arden Arcade
7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Watt Avenue
7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.MILE 20
Hawthorn Road and Fair Oaks Boulevard in Arden Arcade
7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Munroe Street and Fair Oaks Boulevard in Arden Arcade
8 a.m. to 1 p.m.MILE 21
University Avenue and Fair Oaks Boulevard
7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Howe Avenue
8 a.m. to 1 p.m.MILE 22
Carlson and J Street in East Sacramento
8 a.m. to 1:15 p.m.MILE 23
Bear Flag and J Street in East Sacramento
8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.MILE 24
33rd and J Street in East Sacramento
8 a.m. to 1:45 p.m.
J Street and Alhambra Boulevard turn in East Sacramento
8 a.m. to 1:45 p.m.
L and 29th Streets in midtown
8 a.m. to 1:45 p.m.MILE 25
22nd and L Streets in midtown
8 a.m. to 2:05 p.m.
15th and L Streets in downtown Sacramento
7 a.m. to 4 p.m.MILE 26
Eighth and L Streets in downtown Sacramento
7 a.m. to 4 p.m.Streets will reopen to traffic as cleared by law enforcement.
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