Goal 01
Finishing Your 1st Marathon
CIM is a great first marathon: a fast, forgiving course, big crowds near the finish and a Capitol finish line you'll never forget. Here's how to get there smiling.
The goal is the finish line
For your first marathon, the target isn't a time — it's reaching mile 20 still feeling like yourself. Everything below is built around that.
Pacing on race day
- Slow down the first mile. It's a downhill rush and the crowd will pull you along. Look at your watch and let people go.
- Treat miles 2–10 as your warm-up. They're rolling hills. Go by effort uphill; you'll naturally slow down, and that's fine.
- Walk breaks are a strategy, not a failure. Walking through aid stations to drink properly is smart, especially in the second half.
- Find a pace team. CIM runs pace groups — joining one a little slower than your hopeful time takes the math off your plate.
- Remember the mantra: "Just get to the bridge." The J Street Bridge around mile 21.5 is the last climb. After that it's flat to the finish.
Race morning, simplified
CIM is point to point, so most runners take an early shuttle from Sacramento out to the start in Folsom. It's usually cold and dark when you board. Wear old layers you're happy to donate at the start, and bring something to sit on.
First-timer checklist
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- Race plan memorized: slow mile 1, effort on the rollers, just get to the bridge
- Race shoes have 50–150 miles on them (broken in, not worn out)
- Race-day fuel packed — the same gels you've used in training
- Shuttle / transport to the start planned
- Throwaway layers set aside (old sweatshirt, gloves, beanie)
- Anti-chafe applied everywhere you've ever chafed
- Someone waiting for you at the Capitol