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Jun 28, 2024

California International Marathon Runner Comments

Back to California International Marathon Information & Reviews

Course 4.4

Organization 4.3

Spectators 4.2

Number of comments: 232 [displaying comments 61 to 71]

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A. S. from San Francisco, CA (1/4/2011) "some great things, some not-so-great" (about: 2010) 6-10 previous marathons \| 2 California International Marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 GREAT: 1) Very well-organized transportation to the start - no waiting in the cold for a bus; 2) There was a perfect ratio of port-a-potties to runners at the start - bravo! (I waited about three minutes as compare to the usual 10-20 minutes. How come other race organizers don't get this?); 3) Great size for a marathon - it has the combined benefits of both large races and small races. GOOD: 1) Neat combination of elites/sub-elites along with recreational runners (from around the country/world, not just regional); 2) Undulating course - not flat - which adds variety; 3) Large number of spectators (though not incredibly enthusiastic). BAD: 1) As in previous years, the aid stations were disorganized - still absolutely no consistency, as others have reported; 2) Rations of food at the finish were meager. ONE VERY BAD THING: Ultima is the WRONG choice for a "sports drink" in a marathon. It has no carbs (and very little sodium, which is a great electrolyte)! What it does have is useless - lots of added vitamins and minerals with no short-term benefit. Carbs are necessary (for most of us) in a 26-mile run. The race directors say that runners can carry their own gels/drinks, etc., but this is a cop-out, and the runners who mistakenly assume that this drink has some sugar or other worth are more likely to suffer in the later stages because of this. Ultima has absolutely NO place in a marathon.
S. J. from Illinois (12/18/2010) "Tougher than you might think" (about: 2010) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 California International Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 4 I flew in from Illinois to try to qualify for Boston. This was my 6th marathon. I think this course is a bit more challenging than other runners would lead you to believe. I had read some negative comments regarding water stations so I was not surprised that they were inconsistent (water or Ultima first) and not always on the same side of the road. My biggest complaint about this race was the transportation. I had planned to drive to the start but parking is not an option. I paid the $10 to take the shuttle (I think this is steep plus they never check so I wonder how many people don't even bother to pay) and I was told that all parking was free downtown on race morning. I parked directly across from shuttle pickup and owed $20 to the garage when I returned. The expo was crowded and the volunteers seemed overwhelmed and even a bit rude. It's worth running if you live in the area but I wouldn't fly in for it. Spectators were good.
E. C. from Herndon, Virginia (12/15/2010) "Good Boston Qualifier" (about: 2010) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 California International Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 My first CIM, and seventh marathon. This was a wonderfully organized race with an abundance of porta-potties at the start! Most hills were gently rolling and a good variety for the legs. I followed a great pace group - the 4:30's - and the leaders were upbeat, kept us on pace, reminded us to relax when necessary and were very attentive to runners who were walking and looked like they needed assistance. I needed to finish under 4:30 to qualify as a 60-64-year-old female and our group leader correctly advised me to move up ahead to assure a qualifying finish. I will be forever grateful for this wise advice. The water stops were a bit crowded but seemed to have improved according to previous reviews. The crowds were especially helpful near the finish in spiriting us over the finish line. Of the seven marathons, this was by far the easiest on my body. And the weather... how did they arrange for the rain to stop and the sun to come out and the temperature to remain a runner's dream??? Thank you, CIM and Pace Team 4:30!
C. S. from Raleigh, NC (12/11/2010) "Fantastic!" (about: 2010) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 California International Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 The organization could not have been better. This is a wonderful course with a lot of variety. The starting and finishing areas had the convenience of a 200-person race despite the 7000+ marathoners. I would rank this as one of the three best marathons that I have done.
s. p. from Texas (12/10/2010) "Good job, Sacramento" (about: 2010) 11-50 previous marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 Overall this was a nice marathon. Crowds were plentiful and very supportive. The weather could have been a little cooler and less humid but so be it. More rolling hills the first 13.1 than anticipated. Seems like the water stations need a little work. It was difficult to know where the water was (relative to the sports drink). The volunteers were shouting it out, which helped, but it would be better if the cups were different color, or there were flags or signs differentiating the drinks. For some reason it seemed to me the same drink (water or sports drink) was not always at the first tables; it was inconsistent. Starting line organization was very good. Excellent supply of porta-potties.
H. B. from San Francisco, CA (12/10/2010) "Good Marathon!" (about: 2010) 4-5 previous marathons \| 3 California International Marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 A good marathon, with a fast course if you are looking for a PR. Lots of porta-potties at the start. Quick and convenient transportation from the drop-off area to the start. I have run this marathon three years in a row and my big complaint this year was the lack of cups after mile 18. I had my own water bottle so the volunteers would refill it with their water jars, but this is unacceptable for a marathon aid station. Also, there was confusion as to which ones were the water jars and which ones were sports drink. Crowds are good, the course is ok, but some stretches seem to go forever without a turn, which can be a little boring. I will keep doing it because it is close to home, but it is definitely not the most exciting or scenic marathon.
C. C. from Chicago (12/9/2010) "Fast course; well organized; world-class runners" (about: 2010) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 California International Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 I PR'd but missed a BQ by 96 seconds. Packet pickup was smooth, with various speakers all day. Buses to the start run on time. Lots of port-a-johns. Cold temps at the start. Long, straight roads - nice, but somewhat boring. Pace groups were great. Plenty of water stops and support. I did not care for the sport drink. But I met a lot of the best runners in the USA there. I'd do it again. I also beat my other 2010 marathons times: Chicago (4 minutes); Sunburst (7 minutes); Martian (3 minutes) and Disney (27 minutes).
R. H. from California (12/8/2010) "PERFECT!!!" (about: 2010) 6-10 previous marathons \| 4-5 California International Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Once again, CIM put together another great race. Every detail was handled, and there were porta-potties in abundance at the start. I don't know what kind of MoJo they have, but the weather was perfect. This was my 5th CIM and the City of Sacto knows how to throw a marathon party. Whenever I can, I will always return.
n. c. from San Francisco (12/6/2010) "No better place to run your first marathon" (about: 2010) First Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Lucky break for 2010 CIM, weather-wise. Temporature was in the 40s, with sunshine and no wind. Perfect condition. I ran my first marathon and got my BQ. Organization was great. Getting back the goody bag at the finish was amazingly fast. For the food, I was impressed with the warm tomato soup, which made a big difference after the run, especially if it's cold. I stayed in Larkspur Landing Hotel, which provided a shuttle bus to the start. PLUS we got a VIP ticket (free) from hotel to stay in a warm tent before the race, only a hundred yards from the gate. Highly recommend the hotel if you run CIM.
J. P. from Los Angeles, California (4/9/2010) "Great race to qualify for Boston" (about: 2006) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 California International Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 This race was special for me since it was my first Boston Qualifier. Loved it it was cool and relatively fast. Only thing that sucked was waiting in the cold for the race to start. It was all worth it. Till this day the photo at the finish is still my favorite. I would recommend this race to anybody looking to qualify for Boston.

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