Best Marathon in the Country - The California International Marathon

What makes a marathon popular, you ask. Is it the course, the entertainment, the fans or the weather? A popular marathon includes all of the above, plus the opportunity for elite athletes to qualify for larger races and for first-timers the best opportunity to achieve their goal. One of the country's most popular marathons that embraces all of this and more is the California International Marathon.

The California International Marathon is one of the fastest courses in the country. Beginning at Folsom Dam and finishing in front of the California State Capitol in Sacramento, it is a point-to-point race starting at an elevation of 366 feet and finishing at 26 feet! It is important to add some hills to a training program as just a few rolling inclines will be encountered along the course. An easy pace through the first 13 will allow for a strong finish despite these inclines. Fantastic mile-by-mile course entertainment is sure to keep a runner motivated and occupied during the long race. Of course the massive fan support is also a huge help as more than 2000 spectators arrive to cheer on the 6,000+ participants. The constant cheering and incessant cow bells are sure to be intoxicating when a runner has reached his wall!

The fall weather in Sacramento is the perfect temperature usually in the mid 40's at the start of the marathon. A throw-away set of clothes is a great commodity prior to the race, during the bus ride to the start and warm-up period. All the clothes tossed along the course are donated to a worthy charity and always help support a good cause.

Marathoners from all walks of life participate in this race and have commented on the superb organization from the online registration to the excellent race shirts. There is a great expo with a large representation of promotional booths and vendors with fabulous goody bags and fun medals. The finish line, while usually busy with the enthusiastic friends and families of the runners, has food and drinks to replenish a weary body and multiple vendor tents with the latest and greatest products.

The California International Marathon is a USATF (USA Track & Field) certified road race allowing for Olympic hopefuls the chance to achieve an Olympic Marathon Trial qualifying time. It is also a Boston Marathon qualifying race. This marathon consistently produces record times for its participants and offers a nice prize purse amounting to $50,000. Athletes worldwide come to compete in this popular marathon.

In discovering the county's most popular marathons, the California International Marathon is definitely at the top. It absolutely caters to all runners from the fast elite to the slow pacers. It encompasses a fast, fun course with constant entertainment, supportive fans, perfect temperatures, and the chance to qualify for other races. This marathon should absolutely be one of those for every runner to experience and will most likely prove to provide a personal best record!