The CIM Marathon
A net-downhill point-to-point into Sacramento in early December, a renowned Boston-qualifier course run in cool, often crisp conditions.
Sunday 6 December 2026
About 23 weeks away · 161 days · projected from the usual race weekend
Training for the California International Marathon comes down to two things: building the right work in the weeks you have, and pacing it sensibly on the day. Our free generator counts back from race day and sets your plan length to suit how much you are running now — so you are neither under-prepared nor stretching a short build over too many weeks.
If the CIM Marathon falls in a warm part of the year for you, plan for the heat: even a few degrees changes a realistic goal pace. Our heat adjuster shows how much to give back, and our course pacing guides cover the elevation and race-day strategy for marathons we have profiled in full.
- When is the CIM Marathon?
- The next California International Marathon is projected for Sunday 6 December 2026 — it is usually held in December. Confirm the exact date with the organiser before you travel or book.
- How long should I train for the CIM Marathon?
- Most runners do best on a 12 to 20 week block, with the right length depending on how much you are running now. Our free plan generator counts back from race day and sets the length to suit your current fitness, flagging if the timing is too tight.
Run CIM. Trained for it.
Build a free, coach-designed plan that counts back from race day and fits the time you have.