California International Marathon takes place on Sun, Dec 6, 2026 in Sacramento, United States. The main route is 42.2 km.
- Date
- Sun, Dec 6, 2026
- Start
- Sacramento 🇺🇸
- Distance
- 42.2 km
- Climbing
- 202 m
- Level
- Open to all
Your 9-week plan to California International Marathon
The Build phase starts this week. Built around your fitness and adjusted every day as your form changes; attach the course and it prepares for the climbs too.
Build my planFree to start · No credit card
The California International Marathon is a point-to-point, net-downhill course running from Folsom Dam to the California State Capitol in Sacramento, renowned as a premier Boston qualifier.
What this race demands
The California International Marathon demands sustained pacing over a 42.2 km distance on a net-downhill profile from Folsom Dam to the California State Capitol.
Net-Downhill Pacing
The course profile drops overall over 42.2 km, requiring athletes to manage eccentric muscle loading and resist the urge to start too fast.
Aerobic Endurance
A full marathon distance requires consistent cardiovascular output and metabolic efficiency over several hours of continuous running.
Target 60 to 90 grams of carbohydrates per hour to sustain energy stores over the multi-hour duration of the marathon.
What would it take you?
Pick the level closest to yours for an estimate of finish time on this course and the training a solid preparation needs.
Estimated finish
3:55–4:40
Peak-week training
5–7 h/week
A model estimate from distance, climbing and level, not a promise. Conditions, drafting and pacing move it.
IntervalCoach turns those weekly hours into a concrete plan built around your actual fitness. Start with this race as your goal
Your road to race day
Race day at California International Marathon is 9 weeks away. This is how a coach divides that time. The first phase starts now.
01Build3 weeks · Oct 5, 2026 – Oct 25, 2026
Progressive overload: training load climbs in waves, with harder weeks stacked on the base and planned recovery weeks that let the gains land.
02Peak3 weeks · Oct 26, 2026 – Nov 15, 2026
The hardest weeks of the plan: race-specific intensity at nearly full training load, sharpening exactly what this race asks for.
03Taper2 weeks · Nov 16, 2026 – Nov 29, 2026
Volume drops while intensity stays: short, sharp efforts keep the legs awake as fatigue drains away.
04Race week1 week · Nov 30, 2026 – Dec 6, 2026
Openers, rest and logistics. The work is done; the job now is arriving fresh.
Frequently asked questions
When is California International Marathon?
California International Marathon takes place on Sun, Dec 6, 2026 in Sacramento, United States.
How long is California International Marathon?
The main route is 42.2 km.
What does California International Marathon demand?
The California International Marathon demands sustained pacing over a 42.2 km distance on a net-downhill profile from Folsom Dam to the California State Capitol.
How much climbing does California International Marathon have?
California International Marathon has 202 m of climbing.
Who is California International Marathon for?
California International Marathon is open to all participants.
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