Behind every marathon is a story and the California International Marathon is no different. The race, which will be held on December 3, 2006 on a course between Folsom and Sacramento, has a long history as a well-organized event held on a fast and scenic course.

In the early 80s, John Mansoor (a 2:18 marathoner) and Fleet Feet founder Sally Edwards started the nonprofit Sacramento Long Distance Running Association. Its primary goal was to bring a world class marathon to Sacramento. In 1983, a field of 1,600 runners toed the line at the inaugural California International Marathon for the 26.2-mile journey along an historic gold miner’s route from Folsom to Sacramento, and a thrilling finish in front of the State Capitol. Although the marathon’s race numbers have grown to 4,000, the course has remained virtually unchanged, thanks to the wide start and wide streets. In subsequent years a 4-person relay and a 2.62-mile "maraFUNrun" were added, and the SLDRA's goals have expanded to include contributing funds to youth fitness and to improving local running venues. The “CIM” supports its own Youth Fitness Program, established 18 years ago, and through it the CIM has introduced over 25,000 youths to long distance running.

Event organizers proudly refer to the CIM as "The Fastest Course in the West." Why such a fast course? The physical features are big part of the answer. Although some runners might think an all-downhill course or a pancake flat course would be the faster, the CIM's gently rolling hills allow runners to use different muscle groups during their 26.2 mile journey, and this prevents cramping muscle fatigue that comes from repetitive pounding on flat or all-downhill courses. Also, it is a point-to-point course with a wide starting area, a net-downhill drop in elevation, few turns, wide well maintained roads, and accurate mile-markers.

Other factors provide more answers: the cool weather, the wonderful crowd support, the over 2,000 dedicated volunteers, and the experienced race management—many of the staff from the inaugural event, including the race director John Mansoor, remain active with the organization today.

Not to be overlooked in this discussion are the CIM Celebrity Pace Team Leaders. The Sacramento area is a mecca for ultra runners and from this pool come many of the CIM’s pace team leaders These dedicated runners are multiple-time CIM finishers and use their experience to enthusiastically coach their groups to their goal finish times. They include ultra running legends like Tim Twietmeyer, Rae Clark, Bill Finkbeiner, and Barbara Elia.

In 1995, Runner's World Magazine ranked CIM in the top five marathons to run in order to qualify for the 100th Boston Marathon. Just last year, RWM listed the CIM as one of the World’s Best Marathons.

More subtle factors relating to a good time (and lots of fun) involve Sacramento's location and ambience. Centrally located in Northern California at the scenic junction of two rivers in the heart of the historic gold country, Sacramento has yet to attain the frenetic pace of the larger California cities. It is known as the “City of Trees,” and much of the CIM course is lined with vintage elms, oaks, and evergreens. Since early December is still fall in California, the trees leaves are turning beautiful shades of gold, orange and red.

Some people might ask “What about rain?” Our weather statistics (posted on our web site) show the current chances for perfect running conditions are at 87%. It has never snowed, and the finish temperatures have never been higher than 65 degrees F.

Also, Sacramento is truly a runners' city, boasting the largest running club in California, the Buffalo Chips, who are active in the marathon both as participants and volunteers. The Sacramento Metro Airport is a 15 minute-drive from downtown, there's an excellent light rail system, and hotel and restaurant prices are reasonable. For those extending their stay in the area, Sacramento makes for a great hub for visits to the San Francisco Bay Area, Yosemite, Lake Tahoe, the Napa Valley wine country, and the Giant Redwoods.