California International Marathon

DATE / TIME / PLACE:

The relay will begin at 7 a.m. on Sunday, December 2, 2012, near the Folsom Dam in Folsom. The scenic 26-mile, 385-yard course runs from Folsom Dam to the State Capitol in Sacramento.

NUMBER OF RUNNERS AND DISTANCES:

Each team usually consists of 4 runners, although teams of 2 or 3 runners are also accepted. The approximate distance of each leg is as follows:

• #1 - 5.9 miles
• #2 - 7.6 miles
• #3 - 7.0 miles
• #4 - 5.7 miles

The relay is held at the same time and on the same course as the individuals' marathon.

COURSE:

The relay is run on the same course as the marathon.  Visit the course page for more information.

RELAY CHIP TIMING:

Follow instructions carefully to avoid having your team disqualified!

• Each relay team is issued one timing chip and one velcro ANKLE strap.
• Timing chips strapped to wrists or anywhere else other than the ankle will NOT record a time!
• Teams missing relay exchange times will be disqualified.
• To expedite the exchange of the timing chip, some runners carry the timing chip and at the exchange, "swoop" it down close to the timing mat, hoping this will ensure recording of the split time. Don't take this chance! If you do so be aware it might not work, and your team could be disqualified for not having a split time.
• The chip on its ankle velcro strap is exchanged at the end of a chute in the relay exchange area to the side of the main course.
• The best technique is for the runner with the chip to stop and stand still; the new runner bends down, pulls the chip off and straps it around his/her own ankle, stands up, and takes off. That way, no face-plants ...
• Be sure to return the timing chip at the designated area just across the finish line.
• Timing mats will be placed just before the relay exchange zone.  This will help relieve exchange zone congestion.

RELAY EXCHANGE LOCATIONS:

• 1st runner starts with the marathoners at 7 a.m. near Folsom Dam.
• 2nd runner starts just before the 6-mile mark, corner of Oak Ave. and Fair Oaks Blvd.
• 3rd runner starts at the corner of Manzanita and Fair Oaks Blvd. near the 13.1-mile mark.
• 4th runner starts at the corner of Munroe and Fair Oaks Blvd. near the 20.5-mile mark.

TRANSPORTATION:

• The first runner can travel to the start with marathoners on a bus from the Sheraton Grand Hotel Sacramento or from one of the other the marathon hotels. Bus tickets may be purchased when you enter ($10) or at the Expo ($25). Check the Hotels/Travel page for these hotels and their departure-to-the-start times.
• Private transportation may be used for the first runner, but there is no parking at the start and the runner drop-off is up to one mile from the start line. Give yourself plenty of time if you are going to the start by private car, due to traffic congestion.
• The other relay runners can use their own transportation...
  OR they may take the CIM buses. These buses depart from the Sheraton Grand Sacramento to arrive at each relay exchange point.
  2nd leg leaves at 6:30 a.m.
  3rd leg leaves at 7:00 a.m.
  4th leg leaves at 7:30 a.m.
• There is a fee for this service and tickets may be purchased when you enter ($10) or at the Expo ($25).
• 2nd, 3rd, and 4th relay team members must NOT take a bus to the START!
• Although the course is closed to vehicles, drop-off areas at the relay exchange points are accessible from side streets and parking will be available (except for the first runner at the start — see above).
• To help us with our planning, the online entry form has a required field to fill out if any of your team’s runners plan to use the CIM bus transportation to their exchange points.
• There is NO shuttle service back to the starting point of each leg.
• The CIM DOES PROVIDE transportation to the race finish line for runners who have finished their legs.
• The CIM will transport warm-up clothes from the start of each leg to the marathon finish line.

AGE LIMIT RESTRICTIONS:

• The CIM Relay does not have official age limit restrictions - nor does the event keep track of the youngest or oldest teams in the race.
• No special recognition or awards are given to these runners.
• The CIM Board, Staff and Race Director strongly recommend that youth compete in the relay only according to their trained ability to complete one of the legs of the relay distances. Running too far 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 a youth is encouraged to run too far, too soon.
• We urge you to channel your children's enthusiasm for running into running  distances that are suited to their age and capability.