---

GENERAL INFORMATION

ENTRY INFORMATION

• There is a Marathon entry cap of 7,500 and a Relay cap of 1,000 teams
• Entries will close on November 1, unless the caps described above have been achieved.
• Marathon entry fee until August 1 at 11:59 p.m. is $80. After August 1 it is $100.
• Relay Team entry fee until August 1 at 11:59 p.m. is $100. After August 1 it is $160.
• NO EXPO ENTRIES. NO MAILED IN ENTRIES.
Absolutely no entry refunds.
Absolutely no entry transfers.
No rollover entries for injured runners or runners with a family emergency.
Bus transportation to the start from the Marathon hotels is an additional $10.

MARATHON DIVISIONS (age divisions are determined by age of entrant on race day)

• Open: 39-years-old and under (prize purse for both men and women: 1st=$10,000, 2nd=$5,000, 3rd=$2,500, 4th= $1,000, 5th=$500)
• Masters: 40-years-old and older (prize purse for both men and women: 1st=$500, 2nd=$250, 3rd=$100)
• 5-Year Age Divisions (awards 3-deep): 19 & younger, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-49, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79. 80 & older
• Clydesdale/Athena
  • CIM will present awards to the top three finishers of men weighing 200 pounds or more (Clydesdales) and women weighing 150 pounds or more (Athenas).
  • Runners who wish to compete in this division must check this option on their entry form.
  • Runners who wish to compete in this division must weigh in. Do this during the Sports and Fitness Expo at the Buffalo Chips Running Club booth.
• Vision Impaired
  • Important Vision Impaired Division Information
  • The CIM thanks Dr. Michael Schermer and his staff for their generous sponsorship of this division.
• Pushrim Wheelchairs
• Crank Chair (Handcycle) Division: Only one-gear chairs are allowed to compete.
  

EVENT RULES

• You must complete the entire course to be listed in the official results. Anyone who does not complete the entire course will be disqualified.
• If you are a registered runner and you run only part of the course, DO NOT CROSS THE FINISH LINE!
• No early starters and no late starters! The starting area closes five minutes after the starting gun is fired, so do not be late for the start. The course starting area is monitored by the race personnel for "illegal early and late starters."
• No bicycles, unicyles, tricycles, inline skates, blades, skateboards, pets, or baby joggers! The only wheeled vehicles allowed on the course are those of the wheelchair competitors and CIM officials.
• No non-registered runners! It is unfair and illegal to have unregistered people run with you or offer assistance. Video cameras and officials will be stationed throughout the course to preserve the integrity of the event. Runners receiving illegal assistance WILL BE DISQUALIFIED.
• Do not allow anyone to come onto the course to accompany you on the final stretch to the finish. This is illegal, can result in disqualification, and can cause serious problems including injuries to you or to other runners.
• Don't run on the wrong side of the road. The certified route after the 10.5 mile point is on the RIGHT side of the center yellow line. Prior to the 10.5 mile mark, you are allowed to run on the entire road.

THE MARATHON COURSE ROUTE RE-OPENS AT A 6:00 HOUR FINISH TIME PACE (13:44 minutes /mile)

• The event permits currently require that the roads of the CIM course must be open to regulr traffic at a 6-hour finish time pace.
• A California Highway Patrolman in a vehicle traveling at approximately 13:44 minutes per mile will open the roads behind his car to regular traffic.
• If you are behind this vehicle, you must proceed on the road shoulders or sidewalks, and you are subject to pedestrian traffic laws of the City or the County of Sacramento.
• No race services (aid stations, mile splits, traffic controls) will be available on the course for runners progressing slower than the 13:44 min. per mi. pace.
• Race management will attempt to provide, but cannot guarantee, race medals, finish times, and refreshments to runners finishing after 6 hours.
  

ELECTRONIC DEVICES

• In 2008, USA Track & Field (governing body for distance running, race walking and track & field events) modified its rule banning electronic devices at road racing events. Each event's management team may now determine whether or not to allow these devices for their noncompetitive entrants.
• IMPORTANT! The rule change does not affect award winners (both overall and age division) who will be disqualified for wearing these devices. Do not wear these devices if you are a potential overall or age division award winner.
• USATF and the Road Runners Club of America continue to recommend that all particpants do not use electronic devices during the event. The CIM wholeheartedly agrees with this recommendation, but has not instituted a rule banning them. Be aware that using electronic devices during the race could compromise your safety and that of other runners.

AGE LIMIT RESTRICTIONS

• The CIM does not have official age limit restrictions - nor does the event keep track of the youngest or oldest runners in the race.
• No special recognition or awards are given to these runners.
• The CIM Board, Staff and Race Director strongly recommend that runners younger than 16 (and especially runners younger than 13) do not attempt to run the marathon distance. While we hope that all runners one day will run a marathon we know that running this distance at too young an age can be detrimental to the development of the bones and joints.
• The CIM Race Director has coached athletes of all ages for the last 35 years, and he has observed first hand the damage done to bones and joints when another coach encourages youngsters to run too far too soon.
• We urge you to channel your children's enthusiasm for running into running shorter distances that are more suited for their age.

EARLY RACE DAY

Getting to the Start: Folsom-Auburn Road at Folsom Lake Crossing

CIM is run on a point to point course, which means that the starting line is 26.2 miles away from the finish point.

1. The BEST option: TAKE THE BUS!

• Buy a bus ticket ($10) either when you enter or at the Sports and Fitness Expo.
• Bus tickets are not sold on race day!
• Buses leave 5 a.m. to 5:15 a.m. on Sunday morning from the special rate CIM hotels and from 5 a.m. to 5:30 a.m. from the Sheraton Grand Hotel. CIM hotels link
• Buses will stay at the start area, and runners may stay on their buses until about 15 minutes before the start.
• Remember - the earlier you leave, the shorter the portapottie lines will be!
• There are no buses that transport runners back to the start or back to their hotels. Below are two useful links to assist you with this.
• • Sacramento Regional Transit Web Site
  • Sacramento Area Cab Services

2. Runners may have someone drive them to runner drop-off areas near the start.

Runner Drop-Off Directions & Instructions

TAKE PLENTY OF TIME TO GET TO THE RUNNER DROP OFF LOCATIONS due to the inevitable traffic congestion. Drivers: Stayng to watch the start is not recommended! The area is highly congested with runners and volunteers, and there is no non-official vehicle access to the start. The South and West drop off areas are about two miles from the start, and no non-official autos will be allowed beyond the drop-off points. Parking North of the start area is very limited and more than 1/2 mile from the start.

Start Area Location: Folsom-Auburn Road at Folsom Lake Crossing

• From areas North and North East of the start line (Roseville, Auburn, etc.): Take I-80 to the Douglas Blvd. exit in Roseville. go east approximately 7 miles, to Auburn-Folsom Rd. Turn south (right) and continue to runner drop off area.
Runner drop off is approximately 1/2 mile from the start on the north side access.
No shuttles buses.
Cars are not allowed past the drop off, nor are they allowed to park there.
• From areas South of the start (downtown Sacramento, areas south of Sacramento, Rancho Cordova, etc.): Go east on Hwy. 50 to the Folsom Blvd. exit. Stay on Folsom Blvd. until it becomes Folsom-Auburn Road and proceed to drop-off area at Greenback Lane.
Beginning at 5:30 am and running continuously until 6:45 am, shuttle buses will take runners from the intersection of Greenback Lane and Folsom-Auburn Road to the starting area.
The pick up location closest to the intersection of Greenback Lane and Folsom-Auburn Road is at Oak Ave., next to the MacDonald's.
There is no charge for this service.
Be aware that once these buses arrive at the start you will not be able to stay on them since they must return to the Greenback Lane and Folsom-Auburn Road intersection for more runners.
• From areas West of the start line (some areas of Fair Oaks and Carmichael, also Orangevale and Citrus Heights):
  • Take Oak Avenue to the runner drop-off area at American Canyon Drive.
Beginning at 5:30 am and running continuously until 6:45 am, shuttle buses will take the runners from the intersection of Oak Avenue and American Canyon Drive to the start area.
There is no charge for this service.
Be aware that once these buses arrive at the start you will not be able to stay on them.
• From areas East of the start line (some areas in Fair Oaks and Carmichael, as well as Folsom, El Dorado Hills, Placerville, etc.): Take Highway 50 West to Folsom Blvd. Take Folsom Blvd. to Folsom-Auburn Rd. and proceed to drop-off area at Greenback Lane.
  • Important update: access to the new Folsom Lake Crossing Bridge will be closed to all traffic at the intersection of East Natoma St., except for the buses bringing runners to the start. These buses will be allowed to stay on the bridge with their occupants until 15 minutes before the start.
  • Beginning at 5:30 am and running continuously until 6:45 am, shuttle buses will take runners from the intersection of Greenback Lane and Folsom-Auburn Road to the starting area.
  • The pick up location closest to the intersection of Greenback Lane and Folsom-Auburn Road is at Oak Ave., next to the MacDonald's.
  • There is no charge for this service.
  • Be aware that once these buses arrive at the start you will not be able to stay on them since they must return to the Greenback Lane and Folsom-Auburn Road intersection for more runners.

Starting Area Amenities
Nothing but the best for those about to face this 26.2-mile challenge: a zillion porta-potties, trucks for hauling your "sweat-bags" to the finish, and early-bird volunteers to answer questions and offer encouragement.

Sweats Bags 101A
For marathon newbies or visitors from a planet with different marathon customs, the race "goody bag" you received at the Expo has a second purpose.

• At the Expo, a volunteer wrote your bib number on the bag with a marker. Make sure the number is correct and legible.
• At least ten minutes before walking to the starting line, put the items you do not plan to wear or carry during the run - like your "sweats"- into the "bag." get it?
• Do not put anything valuable in this bag (especially no car keys and no cell phones, please)!
• Now go to the sweats bus area and leave your bag with the volunteers.
• After you cross the finish line, go to the sweats bag area where a volunteer will return your bag to you.
• You must pick up your sweats bag by 1:30 p.m. race day.
• If post-marathon brain-fade sets in and you forget to do this, contact the CIM office (916-983-4622) and arrange to pick up your sweats bag within 10 days after race day.
• Items not claimed will be donated to charity or, if cool enough, will be fought over by the CIM Board members at their next meeting.
• No one even remotely involved in CIM is responsible for lost or stolen items.

Important Starting Line Advice

• Be at the start line on time! Duh.
• The race starts promptly at 7:00 am and the starting area closes at 7:05 a.m.
• Do not dally or plan to be late due to Chip timing.
• Only the fastest runners should be close to the starting line. Don't worry! There is plenty of space for a smooth, fast start. All runners cross the start line in less than five minutes.
• If you are not one of the speediest and place yourself too close to the front you will:
  • Get trampled by faster runners.
  • Go out too fast and face certain disaster in later stages of the race.

Click here to watch a cool video clip of the start of the 2005 CIM.

Course Map, Course Profile Details
(courtesy of Peter Rauch, 2008 CIM entrant)

More Course Information: maps, entertainment, aid station locations

---

DURING THE RACE

Aid Stations & Mile Splits
There will be 18 aid stations staffed by cheering volunteers from local schools, service clubs, and those ubiquitous Buffalo Chips. Each will have water, Ultima Replenisher, (raspberry flavor), medical supplies, and porta-potties. GU Energy Gel will be provided on the course at miles 13, 20 and 23.

Fluids
Proper fluid intake is crititcal not only for a good performance but also for your health during and after the event. Too little fluid intake leads to dehydration; too much and improperly balanced fluid intake can lead to hyponatremia. Please read this bulletin from USA Track & Field for proper fluid intake guidelines. You should also read this paper, "Proper Hydration for Distance Running"(pdf) published by USATF.

Course Tips
CIM is a FAST course with a net elevation drop. The key word here is "net"- it is certainly not all downhill, and the terrain is rolling, especially in the first half. Do not get drawn into too fast an early pace by your excitement, fellow runners, or by the first downhill mile. Be conservative and do not charge the hills; run them at a steady, even effort, even if that means reducing your speed. This helps you conserve energy to use later to maintain an even pace in the second half. Trust us! The best times on this course have come from running a relaxed, conservative pace in the first half and strong, steady pace in the second half.

Entertainment
For a preview of the 2009 course entertainment, this link will take you to the 2008 list of performers, most of whom will be returning in 2009 to help you keep moving right along during your 26.2-mile journey.

When does the course close?
The CIM course closes some of the area's busiest streets, intersections and bridges, inconveniencing thousands of area couch-potato motorists. The marathon has the superb cooperation of local law enforcement agencies to assist with these closures, but they must limit the race to a finish time of 6 hours (this is a 13:44 min. per mile pace).

If I can't finish under 6 hours?
A CHP (California Highway Patrol person, not a Buffalo Chip), driving at a 13:44 min. per mile pace, will open the roads behind his car to regular traffic. If you are behind the CHP, you will be asked to proceed on the road shoulders or sidewalks, and you will be subject to pedestrian traffic laws of the City or the County of Sacramento. No race services (aid stations, mile splits, traffic controls) will be available on the course for runners progressing slower than the 13:44 min. per mi. pace. Race management will attempt to provide, but cannot guarantee, race medals, finish times, and refreshments to runners finishing after 6 hours.

What if I can't finish at all?
Not to worry-better to not finish and stay healthy than to totally trash yourself. We'll be here next year, and the year after, ad infinitum! If you are ready to "cry uncle," park yourself at the nearest aid station, hand over your timing chip to the designated aid station volunteer, get medical assistance if necessary, and mull over what went wrong. A sweep vehicle will take you to the finish.

---

AFTER THE RACE

Finish Line Activities & Triage
Finish Area Map
You've done it and a hero's welcome awaits you! The finish line area ha been a beehive of activity since pre-dawn hours. Let friends and relatives know it's a great place to spectate and cheer. They can watch or run the
maraFUNrun, see the wheelchair competitors zoom to the finish (course record is 1:45:10), and see if a relay team finisher can beat the first place male and/or female individual finisher. As you round the corner at 8th and Capitol Mall, you will be directed to one of two finish lines.

• Men finish on the right (south) side of Capitol Mall.
• Women finish on the left (north) side of Capitol Mall.
• Registered runners ONLY will be allowed to cross the finish line.
• DO NOT CROSS THE FINISH LINE IF YOU HAVE NOT
  COMPLETED THE ENTIRE COURSE.
• Only runners and volunteers are allowed in the finish area; meet
  your friends and family at the designated meet and greet area on the
  Capitol Steps behind the Christmas tree.
• Tell your loved ones in advance that under no circumstances will they be allowed to run with you to the finish line. It is dangerous and can compromise the results.
• After crossing the line, be fair! DO NOT PASS ANYONE in the finish chute.
• Volunteers will assist you with the removal of the timing chip and will provide additional assistance as needed. To indicate that you are feeling OK, keep smiling!
• Next, you will be presented with your well-earned, beautiful finisher's medallion and a space blanket for warmth.
• If you need medical assistance, volunteers will help you to the medical facilities.
• Walk to the sweats bag area where a volunteer will return your bag to you. Keep walking - post-marathon walking is one of the best ways to rid your body of lactic acid - and walk to the refreshment area where water, other nourishing beverages, and food will be available.
• You must pick up your sweats bag by 1:30 p.m. race day.
• If post-marathon brain-fade sets in and you forget to do this, contact the CIM office (916-983-4622) and arrange to pick up your sweats bag within 10 days after race day.
• Items not claimed will be donated to charity or, if cool enough, will be fought over by the CIM Board members at their next meeting.
• No one even remotely involved in CIM is responsible for lost or stolen items.
• You must make your own arrangements for getting back to the start or back to your hotel. The CIM does not provide this service. Below are two useful links to assist you with this.
• Sacramento Regional Transit Web Site
• Sacramento Area Cab Services