California International Marathon

California International Marathon 2026 Course Analysis

California International Marathon is a full marathon held in Sacramento, United States of America, scheduled for Sunday 6 December 2026. The course is run on road surface with 72m of total elevation gain, reaching a maximum altitude of 109m above sea level. For registration and full race details, visit the official California International Marathon website.

Elevation Profile

This is a very flat course with only 72m of total elevation gain across the full distance. The course ranges from 7m to 109m above sea level — a 102m elevation range that makes it one of the flatter races available. Runners targeting a personal best will appreciate the minimal climbing.

Expected Race Day Weather

Based on historical weather data for December, the expected race day conditions are as follows. Cold conditions are expected, with temperatures between 6°C and 9°C. While cold weather reduces overheating risk, runners should dress in layers and be prepared for potential wind chill. There is a low chance of rain (0%), so dry conditions are likely.

Surface Type: Road

California International Marathon is run on road surfaces, which provide the fastest and most predictable conditions for marathon running. Road courses allow for consistent pacing and are typically the best choice for runners targeting a personal best time.

How Difficult Is California International Marathon?

Our difficulty rating for California International Marathon is calculated using a model that combines elevation gain, temperature impact, and surface type. Use the difficulty calculator above to enter your target finish time and see exactly how many minutes this course would add or subtract compared to a perfectly flat, cool, road-based marathon. Faster runners and slower runners are affected differently by the same course conditions, so the difficulty is personalised to your pace.

Looking for an easier marathon or a tougher challenge? You can also compare California International Marathon against other marathons to find the right race for your goals.