The California International Marathon, known colloquially as CIM, will join the London Marathon in doubling in size in 2027.

CIM is a race that is highly coveted by runners from around the world, not just California locals. With a reputation as a fast course with a net downhill profile it is a great race to take a shot at a personal best or gain a coveted Boston qualifying time.

CIM Executive Director Scott Abbot said the expansion could potentially grow CIM to become the fifth largest marathon in the United States, behind only Boston, New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles. 

Why Is CIM so Popular?

In recent years CIM has sold out earlier and earlier. It was not common for it to sell out in July, but this year it sold out in February with the waiting list capped at 6,000 people.

With a current limit of 10,000 to 11,000 runners, the potential to double the field is an attractive option for the city of Sacramento and its tourism and restaurant industry.

Widely considered to be one of the fastest marathon courses in the United States, this course takes place in the winter in Northern California, virtually ensuring a chilly race day.

It’s a point-to-point race with only a few turns and a net downhill of around 300 feet. The race is friendly for elite runners as well, who report that it is great for negative splits (running a faster second half than first) as well as running a personal best time.

In fact nearly 20-25% of participants get a BQ each year.

The net downhill part can be misleading for some, CIM is not actually a downhill race such as the Revel Big Bear Marathon. Rather CIM does have lots of rolling hills, with around 600 feet uphill running and over 1,000 feet of downhills running.

The weather is also favorable, as it takes place early in December when the weather is in between Fall and Winter temperatures, so the risk of a hot and muggy fall morning is not quite as great.

Great For Tourism What About the Course?

Typically marathoners will arrive in town a day or two early and stay an additional day to relax and recover. This could be a nice boon to bars, restaurants, local running stores, and any other tourist destinations.

California International Marathon to double in size

To accommodate the influx of more runners, many of whom might not be the PR and BQ chasers, there will also be an extension of the course time limit. Previously the course time limit was set for 6 hours.

The new extended time limit is reported to be 6 hours and 45 minutes.

An additional concession to account for more runners running for a longer time, race organizers have negotiated with the Union Pacific Railroad to keep trains from passing through the course during extended race times.

Public reaction has been mixed, with some commenters highlighting the potential for overcrowded streets. Others have pointed to the additional 10,000 runners could lead to congestion at the starting line, not just on the course. 

One Reddit commenter remarked on the potential for cost increases at hotels near downtown, as well as the potential for a strain on the bus system that shuttles runners from the finish line to the starting area.

These are all valid concerns. The small section of my brain that is inhabited by the optimist sees the potential for a more inclusive marathon. More crowded, of course, but professional race organizers get paid to plan the logistics around large crowds. 

What do you think?

Is it a win because more runners are joining the sport or a loss because it will change the atmosphere of the race?

What to read next?

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