California International Marathon

The California International Marathon (CIM) was established in 1983 by the Sacramento Running Association (SRA). The objective of the SRA was to introduce a world-class running event to the Sacramento area and promote and develop running as a sport. The marathon course that was developed at that time continues to be used till today. This event was held on December 6th 2009 and was a fast, net downhill running course that runs point to point.

The length of the course is 26 miles and 385 yards, conforming to the international marathon standards, and the CIM is certified by the USATF. The course traces the historic gold miners' route from the era of the famous Gold Rush. It starts at the Folsom Dam, goes through the suburbs of Sacramento, right into the midtown bustling with activity, and finishes grandly in front of the majestic California State Capitol.

The California International Marathon is the signature event organized by the SRA every year. But apart from this, the running course of the CIM is also used as a Boston Marathon qualifier and an Olympic Marathon Trials qualifier. It also hosts various regional and national championship events throughout the year. The SRA is a nonprofit organization, and the revenues earned from the CIM and other events are used to promote various youth fitness programs, and construction and maintenance of the cross-country course and the American River Parkway.

The 27^th California International Marathon took place on Sunday, December 6, 2009, at 7:00 a.m. local time. The event charged a fee of $80 to $100, depending upon the date of registration. An additional $10 was charged for the bus ride to the starting point. This year the race achieved a record participation from marathon runners from across the world, with total entries exceeding 7,500 participants, which was nearly a thousand more than the last year's strength.

An estimated 50,000 spectators braved the freezing cold weather along the route of the race to cheer the participants. This year's event also included about four thousand runners in a Marathon Relay Challenge, and an additional three thousand kids in the Kaiser "maraFunrun."

The event was completely sold out several weeks in advance. The winners among both men and women would be given a cash award of $10,000 each. The SRA expects the local economy to receive a boost of $7.7 million due to this event.

Particularly, as the general economy goes through a difficult phase, an event like the California International Marathon comes as a healthy stress-buster and an inexpensive way for enjoying with the whole family. The success of the 27^th CIM goes to demonstrate the indomitable spirit of the people to celebrate good health and good life, despite the challenges of the economy and other issues facing our everyday life.

California International Marathon has become a landmark event for Sacramento, and helps to boost the local tourism and economy of the region at a time of the year when the general flow of business visitors and other travelers is relatively lower. Events such as this one need to receive greater support from the state and sponsorships from the corporate world in order to achieve even wider participation from the runners, and popularity among the general population.

Sources:

http://www.news10.net/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=71435

http://www.sacramento365.com/event/detail/35799

http://www.marathonguide.com/races/racedetails.cfm?MIDD=687091206

http://www.runcim.org/