California International Marathon

From the expo to the finish line....Find your answers here.

DATE / TIME / PLACE:

The marathon will begin promptly at 7:00 a.m. on Sunday, December 8, 2013, near the Folsom Dam in Folsom. The scenic 26-mile, 385-yard course runs from Folsom Dam to the State Capitol in Sacramento.

MARATHON DIVISIONS:

Age divisions are determined by age of entrant on race day

• Open: 39-years-old and under
• Masters: 40-years-old and older
• 5-Year Age Divisions: 19 & younger, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80 & older
• Clydesdale/Athena: Please note that the Clydesdale (men 200 lbs. or heavier)/Athena (women 150 lbs. or heavier) divisions are not a choice on the online registration form. To be placed in this division you must weigh in and sign in at the Buffalo Chips Running Club's booth at the CIM Expo. If your weight fits the criteria, you will then be placed in the Clydesdale or Athena division in the entry data.
• Vision Impaired: See below for additional vision impaired runner information.  The CIM thanks Dr. Michael Schermer and his staff for their generous sponsorship of this division.  Please also visit the CIM Vision Impaired page for additional information.
• Pushrim Wheelchairs
• Crank Chair (Handcycle): Only one-gear chairs are allowed to compete.

EVENT RULES:

COURSE RE-OPEN:

• The marathon course route re-opens at a 6-hour finish time (13:44 minutes/mile pace)
• The event permits currently require that the roads of the CIM course must be open to regular 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 minute/mile 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.
  

BIB NUMBERS (USATF requirements):

• These must be worn on the front of the runner and be visible at all times during the race.
• The numbers may not be altered in any way.

CHIP TIMING:

• CIM has the FlashResults electronic timing system activated by runners wearing a small computer chip attached to the top of one shoe.
• At packet pick-up you will be issued a timing chip in an envelope that corresponds with your race number. The chip is a "loaner" to you valued at $30. Verify that your chip is working correctly by testing it at the designated location near the t-shirt pick up at the Expo.
• You may bring your own chip. At the Expo be sure to register its code number and return the loaner chip in your goody bag.
• Do NOT be late to the start! Due to road closure restrictions the start line will close five minutes after the starting gun is fired! Just because you will have a "chip time" that begins when you cross the start line does not mean that you can sleep in or spend an extra half hour in a porta-potty.
• The timing chip MUST be worn on the SHOE for the entire race. Placing the chip anywhere higher than 12 inches off the ground will mean that no times will be recorded. Fasteners will be provided for affixing the chip to the shoelaces. Be sure your chip is securely fastened. It is not recommended that the chip be threaded down into the actual laces of the shoe since volunteers may have to cut the laces to retrieve the timing chip in the finish corral.
• Be sure to cross over the start mat. The timing mats will be across the wide CIM start line, but each runner has to be sure to cross over them to have a start time recorded.
• Be aware that according to USATF rules, awards and course records are based on "gun times" only. The Boston Marathon accepts "chip times" for their qualifying standards. Race results will report both chip and gun times for each runner.
• If you are unable to finish, give your timing chip to the designated volunteer at the aid station where you stopped running.
• All timing chips look alike but they each have their unique ID code embossed on the plastic housing. If you are sharing hotel rooms, running with a spouse, etc., be very careful that the correct chip is worn according to the assigned bib number.
• The timing chip must be returned to the volunteers at the finish line who will assist you with its removal. In return you will receive your finisher's medallion. Lost timing chips are the runner's financial responsibility.
• If you did not return your timing chip at the finish and still have it, wrap it in protective material and mail immediately to: CIM, 120 Ponderosa Court, Folsom, CA 95630.

VISION IMPAIRED INFORMATION:

USABA Class Description for the Blind/Visually Impaired

• Class B1 Possessing no light perception in either eye up to light perception, but inability to recognize the shape of a hand at any distance or in any direction.
• Class B2 From ability to recognize the shape of a hand up to visual acuity of 20/600 and/or a visual field of less than five degrees in the better eye with the best practical eye correction.
• Class B3 From visual acuity above 20/600 and up to visual acuity of 20/200 and/or a visual field of less than 20 degrees and more than five degrees in the better eye with the best practical eye correction.

CIM Guidelines for the Blind/Visually Impaired

• Athletes must bring to the designated booth at the CIM Expo a physician's or optometrist's verification of status as visually impaired according to the above classifications.
• Athletes bring their own guides to the competition. The athlete pays one entry fee as the guide is only the runners "eyes."
• Athlete and guide are regarded as a team. The guide must wear on the front and back of his/her shirt singlet or bib the GUIDE Runner. Guide(s) are not scored.
• As the blind or visually impaired runner crosses the finish line, the guide must be behind the athlete.
• The method of guidance is the choice of the athlete. He or she may choose to use an elbow lead, or a tether, or run free. Strapping or tying the hands of athlete and guide to one another is not permitted. The tether used must provide at least 5 cm (2 inches) length between the respective hands of guide and athlete. In addition, the runner may receive verbal instruction from the guide.
• Guides may not use a bicycle or other mechanical means of transport.
• The guide cannot pull the athlete, or propel the athlete forward by pushing.

For more information on the United States Association of Blind Athletes and information regarding guide running go to usaba.org.

PACKET PICK-UP:

You will pick up your CIM packet (race bib, timing chip, t-shirt) at the Health and Fitness Expo.  The bib number is the paper imprinted with your race number. It identifies you, and only you, as an official competitor.

• Transfer of bib numbers and timing chips is illegal!
• You must wear the bib on your FRONT, and it must be visible at all times during the event.
• Runners without their numbers visible are subject to disqualification.
• You may not alter the bib or the printing in any way.
• Your race bib will NOT be mailed to you; you must pick it up at the Health and Fitness Expo.
• When you arrive at the Health and Fitness Expo, go to the packet pick up area where the volunteers will be sitting in alphabetical order; go to the volunteer whose letter corresponds to the first letter of your last name. This volunteer will present you with your timing chip and number.
• You may pick up a friend's packet.

HEALTH AND FITNESS EXPO:

• Visit the Expo page for all the Expo information you will need!
• Come EARLY! Avoid the rush and the congestion created by frantic last-minute Expo-goers and packet-picker-uppers. Be assured of getting your proper t-shirt size. Catch the best selection on Friday afternoon and as soon as the doors open on Saturday morning. You could get all your Christmas shopping done here!
• If you didn't purchase a bus "ticket" to the start online, and decided you want to use that option for getting to the start (highly recommended), you may purchase your bus "ticket" here.  Bus "tickets" are indicated on your race bib so a physical ticket will not be distributed.

COURSE TOUR:

The CIM does not offer this. Several years ago we did but have since discontinued it due to the lack of particpation.  You can, however, check out the virtual course tour on the Fun Facts page link below.

GETTING TO THE START:

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

The BEST option:  TAKE THE BUS!

• Both local and out-of-town runners are encouraged to buy a bus ticket to the start.
• Buy a bus ticket ($10) either when you register or at the Health and Fitness Expo ($25).
• Bus tickets are not sold on race day!
• Buses leave 5:00 a.m. to 5:15 a.m. on Sunday morning from the special rate CIM hotels and from 5:00 a.m. to 5:30 a.m. from the Sheraton Grand Hotel. Visit the Hotels/Travel page for more info on CIM hotels.
• 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 restroom lines will be!
• There are no buses that transport runners back to the start or back to their hotels.  Sacramento Regional Transit Web Site and Sacramento Area Cab Services.

The OTHER option:  RUNNER DROP-OFF
Runners may have someone drive them to runner drop-off areas near the start. WE HIGHLY RECOMMEND CARPOOLING to relieve potential congestion getting to these drop off locations.

• Give yourself plenty of time to get to the runner drop-off locations due to the inevitable traffic congestion.
• Drivers: Staying 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 a mile from the start.

RUNNER DROP-OFF LOCATIONS (PLEASE CARPOOL if at all possible!)

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.
• At the Eureka Road/Auburn-Folsom Rd. intersection, a traffic control officer will confirm that your vehicle is taking runners to the start. Be ready to show bib numbers so you may  quickly proceed through this check point.
• 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 a.m. and running continuously until 6:45 a.m., 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 McDonald'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 a.m. and running continuously until 6:45 a.m., 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 a.m. and running continuously until 6:45 a.m., 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 McDonald'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
• Early-bird volunteers to answer questions and offer encouragement.

SWEATS BAG INFO:

• Use the tear off tag at the bottom of your race number and attach it to the sweats bag given to you at the Expo with a zip tie.
• At least 10 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 truck 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 a.m. 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 and/or go out too fast and face certain disaster in later stages of the race.

AID STATIONS:

• There will be 17 aid stations staffed by cheering volunteers from local schools, service clubs, and those ubiquitous Buffalo Chips.
• Each will have water, an electrolyte replenisher fluid, medical supplies, medical personnel, and porta-potties.
• Powerade will be the electrolyte replenisher fluid available on the course.  The flavor will be Moutain Berry Blast.
• GU Energy Gel will be provided on the course at miles 13, 20.4 (Loehman's) and 23.5 (Mercy).
• GU supplies and flavors will vary.  If you are dependent on nutrition supplements like these, be sure to carry your own in case you miss the hand outs or the supplies run out.
• Porta potties will be located at each aid station and relay exchange zone along the course.

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.

PLEASE DO NOT LITTER:

On your 26.2-mile journey, please be considerate of the local residents. Discard your spent gel packets, empty water cups, disposable layers of clothing (plastic ponchos, gloves, garbage bags, old clothes, etc.) at the containers provided at the fluid stations. The CIM has volunteers and staff who clear the course of these items, but this can take several days, especially if the litter is extensive. Meanwhile the very people who allow you to run through their neighborhoods must view the unsightly debris. This gives not only running events but also runners themselves a bad rap. Our organizations and participants are considered to be environmetnally sensitve groups, but wanton littering during an event tarnishes that image. Thank you in advance for following the guidelines above.

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 a strong, steady pace in the second half.

WHAT IF I CAN'T FINISH:

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.

FINISH LINE:

You've done it and a hero's welcome awaits you! The finish line area has 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 are allowed to cross the finish line. Runners who are accompanied by nonregistered friends or family as they cross the finish are subject to disqualification.
• 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.

POST-MARATHON FOOD ETIQUETTE:

The CIM does not provide a post-marathon "all-you-can-eat" buffet. Start your nutrition replenishment here, but finish it at a local restaurant or in the comfort of your own home. Be kind to the runners finishing after you: they have been on the course longer and are likely to be much hungrier than you!

AWARDS CEREMONY:

Sheraton Grand Sacramento Hotel at 3:00 p.m.

Awards will be presented to the top three finishers (according to gun times, a USATF rule) in the following divisions: 19 & under, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80 & over, pushrim wheelchair, vision impaired, clydesdale, and athena.

Relay Team awards will be given to the top three teams in each division.  Relay Team and Clydesdale/Athena awards will NOT be presented during the awards ceremony, however, will be mailed 4-6 weeks following the event.

OVERALL RACE RESULTS:

Unofficial award winners will be posted in the finish area as soon as they are spit out of the computer. Overall results will be available on the results page on this website by Sunday evening.

RACE PHOTOS:

The official race photography company is SportPhoto.com. Race photos will be posted on this website (with the results) soon after the event and will be available for purchase. Be sure to have your bib number clearly visible on the front of your clothing at all times because your bib number is the reference the photographers use to enable you to access your photos easily.

QUALIFY FOR THE BOSTON MARATHON:

CIM is a favorite marathon for runners around the world to make their qualifying time for the Boston Marathon and is ranked in the top five U.S. marathons by Runner's World Magazine as a Boston Marathon qualifier. It is 5th behind huge marathons like Boston itself, New York, Chicago and Philadelphia in the numbers of runners who qualify. Note that entries tend to close in November for the next year's Boston Marathon, but your CIM time will qualify you for two years of Boston Marathons. Therefore, you will be able to apply for the following year as soon as entries open. If you have already entered the next year's Boston Marathon, you may use your CIM time to upgrade your start corral location by notifying the event. Click here for instructions.

Below are listed the age division qualifying time. Please note that the BAA uses chip times for their qualifying times.

• Unlike previous years, an additional 59 seconds will NOT be accepted for each age group time standard.
• Qualifying times are based on your age on the date of the Boston Marathon in which you will be participating.

For additional Boston Marathon qualifying information click here.

For the 2014 Boston Marathon, qualifying times must be run on or after September 22, 2012. The acceptance of official race entrants will be based on qualifying time, with the fastest qualifiers (in relation to their age and gender) being accepted first until the race is full.

Your 2012 CIM time will be suitable as a qualifier for the 2014 Boston. Also, if you run a faster time between the 2012 CIM and the 2014 Boston Marathon, you may submit that time for a better corral start.

Entrants in the Push Rim Wheelchair Division, Mobility Impaired Division, and Visually Impaired Division are all subject to qualifying standards for their age and gender. These standards are unchanged from recent years.

Blind/Visually Impaired Division

The qualifying time is 5:00 hours for visually impaired athletes (men and women) classified T11, T12, and T13.

Mobility Impaired Program

Individuals with permanent disabilities that affect ambulation and who would not otherwise qualify for entry in other divisions are being granted the following extended qualifying times:

• The qualifying time is 6:00 hours for individuals who, because of the nature of their disability, have difficulty ambulating.
• The qualifying time is 8:00 hours for individuals who, because of the nature of their disability, need mobility aids such as prosthetics, leg braces or crutches to ambulate.
• All other individuals with disabilities followed entry procedures and qualifying standards of either the B.A.A. or the established qualifying standard from the recognized disabled sports organization.