Condition for descents
Add controlled downhill running gradually so the net descent does not create avoidable quadriceps fatigue.
Major marathon training
California International Marathon training plan for 2026
Sacramento, United States • Confirmed date: 6 December 2026
Point-to-Point Marathon • North America • America/Los_Angeles
Start with a marathon plan prefilled for race day, then refine the schedule around your current running, available days, and goal. Use miles and min/mile pace or kilometres and min/km.
Training plans that adapt to real life.
Race overview
What to know before training for California International Marathon.
A point-to-point route from the Folsom foothills to the California State Capitol, with repeated gentle rollers, a net descent, and a flatter closing section.
CIM is a prominent US goal race where the net-downhill profile can look easier on paper than it feels if early rollers and descents are paced aggressively.
Date source: https://runsra.org/california-international-marathon/
Training focus
Build quadriceps durability with controlled downhill running, train over rolling terrain, and rehearse marathon pace for the flatter finish into Sacramento.
Race week
Plan organizer transport to the start in advance and run the early descents with restraint so your legs remain responsive in the closing miles.
Plan setup
The builder above starts with the marathon distance and race date selected. After generating, adjust your weekly mileage, long run, and training days so the first week matches your real starting point.
West race preparation
How to prepare for the California International Marathon course.
Rolling net-downhill course. Use these priorities to make the general marathon schedule more specific to race day.
Respect the rollers
Train over repeated gentle hills and avoid treating CIM as one continuous downhill course.
Plan start transport
Follow organizer transport instructions for the point-to-point start and settle logistics before race week.
Official course information: https://runsra.org/california-international-marathon/course-information/
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Race FAQ
California International Marathon training questions
How many weeks until the California International Marathon?
The California International Marathon is on 6 December 2026. As of 17 August 2026, that is 15 weeks and 6 days away.
How many weeks should I train for the California International Marathon?
Most marathon runners should allow at least 16 to 20 weeks, depending on current fitness, weekly mileage, and race goals. EzyRun starts with the race date selected so you can generate a realistic schedule and adjust it after previewing the first week.
Is the California International Marathon a fast marathon course?
A point-to-point route from the Folsom foothills to the California State Capitol, with repeated gentle rollers, a net descent, and a flatter closing section.
What should I focus on when preparing for the California International Marathon?
Build quadriceps durability with controlled downhill running, train over rolling terrain, and rehearse marathon pace for the flatter finish into Sacramento.
What is a good race-week tip for the California International Marathon?
Plan organizer transport to the start in advance and run the early descents with restraint so your legs remain responsive in the closing miles.
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