California International Marathon Official Website

The "Nitty Gritty" Details (User Opinions)

Michaela B.
Petaluma, CA

  (04-02-2010)

"My first 26.2!

* Before you sign up for this race, remember that the weather can be COLD. It was 28 degrees at the start, frost on the ground, when I ran it. And it didn't warm up much more than that. Wear layers. It's good idea to buy a cheap jacket that you can toss on the course once you've warmed up a bit.
* Good expo, good volunteer support, good aid stations -- and the best part was how encouraging everyone was when I told them this was my first marathon
* Shuttles to start were well-organized, but it seemed to take FOREVER to get to the starting line
* Course was fine -- not super picturesque or anything -- but pretty much as described. This wasn't a downhill marathon by any means, but it wasn't super hilly. Good choice for first-time marathoners.
* They serve Ultima as the sports drink on the course. This immediately makes me have stomach problems. It's a good idea to train with this first and see if it works for you and then possibly come up with an alternate plan.
* Photography was awesome -- I've been in smaller races where the photogs didn't get a single picture of me, so it was pretty amazing that the race photographers got several photos, including finish line shots
* I don't remember much about the finish except that sweats pick-up was organized and someone handed me a space blanket. Otherwise, I was sort of in a daze and I was extremely cold."

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2009

Sandra .
San Francisco, CA

  (03-29-2010)

"I ran this race as a PR attempt (which I achieved, yay!) so my memory of it is rather vague. Pushing rather hard the whole time and didn't take in a lot of the sights/sounds. I ran with a pace group which was AWESOME! Can't speak for the other groups, but the 4:15 pace leaders were the best.

I love how the shuttle busses that take you to the start allow you to stay on them as long as you like. I've been to other races where they kick you off into the cold. And it was COLD in 2009 (27ish at the start). But the cold weather is great for running.

The gear check was a total mess and I hope they fix that. There were two small trucks where you could deposit your bag. Since it was cold everyone was waiting 'ti the last minute and it was total chaos.

The course was a little crowded the first few miles but not so bad after. They tout the course as a net downhill and very fast course. It is, but there are definitely a fair share of uphill segments. Just be mentally prepared for A LOT of small rollers and you'll do fine. A lot of people I know got PR's at CIM this year so the course must be fast. I don't recall a lot of great scenery which would make me wary of running this unless I was going for a fast time."

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2009

MsV 1.
ripon, CA

  (03-10-2010)

"CIM Relay Race Report: Lots of Screaming!
with 8 comments

Details:

Date: 12/6/2009 9:00 AM
Type: Easy
Distance: 7.12 miles
Duration: 1:14:00
Pace: 10:24 / mile
Shoe: Mizuno Wave Alchemy 9 (B)
Weight:
Field Placement: 34 / 190 (17.9%)
Weather: 29° F, Overcast
Notes: Leg 3 of CIM. Headwinds bite.34 WE RUN THIS TOWN 8969
Chip Time 04:00:06
Sydney 00:52:21
Jami 01:51:07
Linda 03:07:25
Kim 4:00:06
RIPON CA

Average Pace: 9:10

Statistics: Calories: 958
VO2 Max: 29.9



Here are the details of our race. We did the California International Marathon Relay Challenge yesterday. Jami, Kim and I and another person were signed up as, what else: WE RUN THIS TOWN. At the last minute, like Wednesday, I get a call that the 4th isn’t really in the mood to run. Jami calls Sydney, who says she will run only if she gets a short distance…my leg.

Since 8 miles was called for on my training, I sucked it up, and took the 7 mile, 3rd leg of the relay. It’s always fun not knowing what to expect, and yesterday was no different. I had never done a relay, but assumed it was just running 7 miles, and being done with it. It’s not. The energy is much different.

We are up at 3:40, grab Kim from her house, and all meet at Jami’s. Sydney is in the car. She’s never done an out of town race, and is a little concerned. We all get our bibs, and practice adhering and ripping off the timing chip. We go over how to exchange, and talk about our legs.

Driving to Sacramento is uneventful, we park, and head over to the Sheraton. It’s 5:15. People are lining up for the marathon and first leg. Literally, we shove Sydney on the bus. She is screaming. We have no clue, but we think she’s in the right place. As the morning goes on, Jami grabs her shuttle, then me…leaving Kim to bring us up behind.

I arrive at the 3rd leg exchange area. Our bus is literally 2 hours early. I had already eaten my breakfast, so some of us are waiting around trying to decide at what point we will go out into 29 degree weather…at least that’s what it was at the start. By the time 8am rolled around, I went outside, because I really wanted to see Josh Cox run. It was very exciting to see the elites.

What always amazes me at these races: You get into conversations, find out where people are from, hear their stories…then never see each other again the rest of the day. Ships in the night. Where is the boy with the bad back? The mother waiting for her son? The teen racers who want to place first for their High School?

I am waiting…waiting…waiting…I’m looking for my coach, and every.single.person is wearing black. I don’t see him, or the girl he is pacing. I’m freezing. I’m layering, and re-layering. Someone gives me that hand warmer for my hands. I huddle with spectators and their blankets. I am really enjoying this. Really. And, then I realize, that I have to run. But, I have to go to the bathroom. But, I have to run.

I wait. And watch.

Here comes Jami, and she looks so….great…andd she is hustling in, and I have to get my bag to her, and get the chip, and people are screaming, and I am in a panic. Finally after much fumbling, I get the chip and give her my jackets.

I take off in an adrenaline rush for the first half mile. No music. Just. Run.

It takes me two miles to stop feeling like my legs are sticks of ice. I am breathing okay, but I am having a tough time getting going. Plus, the difference in running on your own, and in a relay, is that you are responsible to other people, and you don’t want to be the one who drops the ball.

The 3:00 marathoners pass, the 3:15, and then I’m running. Lots of wind, and I get a headwind around mile 17 or 18, I can’t remember. I just keep looking for the flags. No hills, very flat. I don’t stop, as I’m instructed. I start to panic, because I’m a stopper. I stop and walk. I follow direction.

I get through the Mile 20 exchange. Very fun to see my running partner Kim, yelling. Asking me how I did. People are handing out beer (which, is my small gripe…I’m a sober alcoholic, and you REALLY need to tell me it’s beer)…and I am finally stopping. I get my medal, get the bus from hell (driver started to drive us back to Fresno, to everyone’s groans).

I walk around Capitol Park. I’m looking for my team, my coach. Am finding neither. Finally, I turn a corner and see Kim. We scream. We walk, and we go round and round…watching people continue to run…wondering who is here that I know.

We walk to the car and then hear Jami & Syd’s screams from the Sheraton lobby. We meet up, and are so excited with our time, our race. A great day, capped off with pancakes and omelets….And, Syd? The girl who never raced before?

She’d like to know when the next one is, please. Big smiles all around, as another bites the dust with the running bug.

Thank you CIM for a GREAT relay!! We had a blast, and…WE RUN THIS TOWN is coming back
"

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2009

Gina H.
Aumsville, OR

  (12-07-2009)

"This marathon is advertised as a pretty easy one and I believe it is. Not to say it isn't challenging in some areas, because there ARE a few hills that can get you down, if you don't prepare for them. Fortunately, where I run is rolling hills so I didn't really have too much problems with this race.

It was nice having so much support along the course. My last (and only) 2 marathons had pretty much no support, which I'm fine with, but I really enjoyed having people support me along the way.
I was concerned about my breathing since I have had a cold for about a week, and I did have some issues with coughing after mile 20, but overall, I was fine. The problem I had started about mile 19 with my legs just feeling like they were giving out. This made it harder for me to run so I did a lot of speed walking then. Disappointing, but I still met my goal!

I kept close to the 5:30 pacer and actually was ahead of her for the last part of the race. I was overjoyed when I realized I would meet my goal pace.

I was able to finish the last .1 of the race running, so I finished strong and I'm sure the photo at the finish was better than if I walked it. I loved the announcer at the finish - he was great, even commented on my pink Newtons. :) I especially liked it when he said I was 56, but looked 29. I think I'm in love. hahaha!

This was a great race and one that I actually enjoyed running. I'm really glad I picked this marathon."

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2009

Jeremiah S.
San Francisco, CA

  (12-06-2009)

"Great course, lots of enthusiasm, but it's bloody cold!"

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2009

Kelly V.
San Francisco, CA

  (10-20-2009)

"This was my very first marathon and it was perfect! The expo is enormous and so much fun! It really helps to get you excited for the big day. The weather on race day was ideal; chilly but not too cold that your muscles freeze up. The spectators were so friendly and encouraging. The course is mostly flat with just a couple rolling hills and it finishes at the Capitol which is lovely in December with the huge Christmas tree and decorations. The aid stations were frequent and plentiful and the pacers are awesome! The one I had was really motivating and enthusiastic, not to mention very accurate and experienced. I highly recommend sticking with a pace group, especially if it's your first. The race overall is very well organized. Will definitely be doing this one again someday. Happy Running!"

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2008

Lisa O.
Malibu, CA

  (07-17-2009)

"This was my first marathon and it couldn't have been any better. Loved the soup at the finish line. The course was beautiful. PERFECT weather! Very well organized."

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2008

Kevin H.
San Francisco, CA

  (06-08-2009)

"I hurt myself and was unable to do this race in 2008, but I wanted to review the race, because the organization was fantastic. They are letting me roll-over my race entry and were very accomodating"

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2008

Rachel P.
San Francisco, CA

  (05-21-2009)

"CIM was my first full marathon. The course includes some rolling hills, but is mostly flat or downhill. I would not call the race a scenic one by any means, however, finishing at the state capitol is pretty dramatic.

Anyone who plans to run CIM should be aware that the temperature can vary greatly from beginning to end. The early start means that the temperature can be below freezing (I believe it was 28 degrees in 2005 at the start). By the end of the race, it was in the high 50s or low 60s. I'd recommend wearing layers that you can shed and not worry about leaving behind - people pick them up to donate to local charities following the race!

Lastly, the community does support this race in a big way. There are indeed periods where not a soul is in sight, however, those moments were easily forgotten when you would turn a corner and an entire high school band and cheer squad are there to root for you. The race is well organized and the locals are willing to pat you on the back or call out your name when you need it most.

Good experience overall and great qualifier for those looking to run Boston."

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2005

Merrill F.
San Francisco, CA

  (04-28-2009)

"While it is true that there are no easy marathons, this comes as close as you can get. the first few miles have slight uphills but the last 13 miles or so are basically pancake flat, making it an ideal Boston Marathon qualifier. There are great aid stations every mile that are extremely well organized and the crowds are surprisingly enthusiastic for a sleepy marathon. I have done the race two years and the weather was perfect for a marathon both years - upper 40s and windless. Only downside to the race is the course is essentially run through the suburbs of Sacramento - basically there is nothing interesting to see. But overall, this is a great marathon for running gast times. "

Reviewed by a: Repeat Participant for 2008

Gregory L.
San Francisco, CA

  (04-24-2009)

"I had heard a lot of good things about the california international marathon, so decided to sign up for it w/ a couple friends.

This is a very interesting race because it's a point to point marathon, so you need to get yourself to the start line somehow since it's 26.2 miles from the finish :). the recommended method is via shuttle buses they run, which costs you $10 (?) for the ride. I was a little nervous about this as I've missed the start of races before so i wanted to make sure i got there extra early to board the bus and make it to the start line ontime. long story short, the buses started late, so there was a HUGE line for the shuttles an hour before the race. I boarded about 40 min before start time, it was about a 25 min drive. Luckily I made it up there on time, but i'm pretty sure some of the buses were still driving when the gun went off. so moral of the story, get to the shuttles EARLY!

the course certainly lives up to it's reputation, of being flat and VERY fast. LOTS of people use this course to quality for the boston marathon as shown by the number of people wearing boston marathon schwag. Unfortunately I chose to run this race about a month after just finishing my first ironman, which probably wasn't the best idea in the world. the legs felt pretty good for the first 20 miles or so, but after that they just lost their power. the weather that day was a bit dreary and cool. crowd support was decent, certain parts had big groups of people, other parts not so much.

I must say the finish line by the capitol is pretty cool, and there's about running through city streets that always excites me. Overall not a bad race, i would definitely do it again, though it's probably not one of my favorites of all time."

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2008