California International Marathon
Sacramento, United States of America · Sunday 6 December 2026
The California International Marathon is recognized for its point-to-point, net-downhill route that consistently attracts runners seeking a fast course. The marathon begins at Folsom's scenic foothills, situated at approximately 359 feet elevation, and finishes at the California State Capitol in Sacramento at around 19 feet elevation. Over its 26.
Difficulty Calculator
h
:m
:s
Adjusted Time
3:49:58
Time difference: -10.0 minutes compared to a flat, road, temperate course.
Course Details
Elevation Gain72m
Elevation High109m
Elevation Low7m
Weather Forecast
High9°C
Low6°C
Chance of Rain0%
How hard is California International Marathon?
Easyharder than 2% of marathons
Flattest / easiestHardest
On our difficulty model, California International Marathon plays about 4 minutes faster than an average road marathon for a 3:30 runner. It ranks #1132 hardest of 1151 marathons we analyse, and #568 of 576 in United States of America. Use the calculator above to see the exact adjusted time for your own goal pace.
What will you run at California International Marathon?
Estimated finish times on this course versus the same effort on an average road marathon, based on its elevation, surface, and expected race-day temperature.
| Average-course time | On California International Marathon | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 3:00:00 | 2:52:01 | −07:59 |
| 3:30:00 | 3:21:01 | −08:59 |
| 4:00:00 | 3:49:58 | −10:02 |
| 4:30:00 | 4:18:50 | −11:10 |
| 5:00:00 | 4:47:37 | −12:23 |
| 5:30:00 | 5:16:21 | −13:39 |
| 6:00:00 | 5:45:01 | −14:59 |
Use the calculator above for your exact goal time. Want a prediction from your own training? Try the marathon time predictor.
California International Marathon 2026 Course Analysis
California International Marathon is a full marathon held in Sacramento, United States of America. It is scheduled for Sunday 6 December 2026. The course is run on road surface with 72m of total climbing, with its high point near 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 climbing and little change in altitude throughout. Flat profiles let you hold an even pace from start to finish, which makes this a fast, PB-friendly race.
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 racing. Road courses allow for consistent pacing and are typically the best choice for a personal best.
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.
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If California International Marathon fits your goal, these courses play out about the same on our difficulty model.
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