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Official CIM First-Timer Program
Official CIM In-Person Training Program
Official CIM Virtual Training Program
Summer Speed School
CIM Amenities for Training Program and First-Timer Program Participants

STEP-BY-STEP DETAILS

TESTIMONIALS

More Information

Official CIM First-Timer Program

The CIM First-Timer Program is designed specifically for runners taking on their very first marathon. It provides a robust support system throughout training and race weekend to help you confidently reach the finish line.

By joining the First-Timer Program, you'll receive:

• The 26-Week Official CIM Training Program (in-person or virtual, more info below)

• Access to a First-Timer online support group for community, encouragement, and guidance (more info below)

• An exclusive First-Timer Medal at the CIM finish line to commemorate your accomplishment

• Race weekend amenities (more info below)

Who Can Join the First-Timer Program

All athletes who will be participating in the marathon distance for the first time at the California International Marathon are welcome to enroll in the CIM First-Timer Program. Whether you are new to running, or have been logging miles for years, the First Timer Program is the "inside track" to success in your first marathon!

The program officially begins on June 9, 2025, and the deadline to join is August 31, 2025.

Official CIM In-Person Training Program

The Official CIM In-Person Training Program is built for runners who have completed a marathon before and want a structured, gradual build-up to race day. Designed to help experienced runners stay accountable, improve performance, and arrive at the start line ready, this program offers expert coaching and progressive training.

Register for either the 26-week (starts June 9) or 18-week (starts August 4) in-person training programs. In-person training is offered in Sacramento, Davis, and Elk Grove, California. Whether you're chasing a PR or just want to feel strong from start to finish, this program will get you there.

Coach-led practices are held on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Days and times vary by location. Choose one weekday and one weekend day per week. You can attend any practice you'd like (you don't need to stick to one location or the same weekly practice).

• Weekday Group Speed Workouts: 60-75 minute fully coached workout geared towards increasing fitness, strength, and speed.
• Weekend Group Long Runs: Gradually increase your mileage each week with guidance from coaches and mentors. Simulate race day with course markings and aid stations.

All participants receive a daily training plan designed for three different goals: Finish, Improve, and Perform. Choose which training plan is right for you, and switch between plans as needed.

Who Can Join the In-Person Training Program

All California International Marathon runners who are NOT running their first marathon AND live in the Sacramento, Davis, and Elk Grove areas are welcome to enroll in the Official CIM In-Person Training Program.

The 26-week program officially begins on June 9, 2025. The 18-week program begins on August 4, 2025.

Official CIM Virtual Training Program

The Official CIM Virtual Training Program is ideal for experienced marathoners looking for a flexible, structured approach to race day prep—no matter where you live. With expert coaching, a detailed training plan, and ongoing support, you'll stay accountable and make steady progress throughout your training block.

Choose between the 26-week option (starting June 9) or the 18-week option (starting August 4). All participants receive a daily training plan designed for three different goals: Finish, Improve, and Perform. Choose which training plan is right for you, and switch between plans as needed. Whether you're aiming for a personal best or a strong, confident finish, this virtual program will guide you every step of the way.

In virtual training, you get:

• Personalized coach feedback on key activities
• UNLIMITED emails and Slack messages with your coach
• 1 phone call/video call with your coach per month
• 2 plan adjustments per month

Who Can Join the Virtual Training Program

All California International Marathon runners who are NOT running their first marathon are welcome to enroll in the Official CIM Virtual Training Program.

The 26-week program officially begins on June 9, 2025. The 18-week program begins on August 4, 2025.

Summer Speed School

Summer Speed School kicks off June 9 and is perfect for runners who aren’t training for CIM but still want to build strength, speed, and endurance during the summer months. It’s also a great option for those who don’t want to commit to the CIM training program (yet)—or who want to split their 26-week CIM training into two payments by starting with Speed School first, then registering for the 18-week program after Speed School ends.

Speed School will train side by side with the Official CIM 26-Week In-Person Program in Sacramento, Davis, or Elk Grove, following the same weekday speed workouts and weekend long runs. Or, choose the Speed School virtual option if you prefer flexibility or don’t live nearby.

With expert coaching and a progressive plan, Summer Speed School helps you stay fit, get faster, and lay the groundwork for fall goals—whether that includes CIM or not.

Who Can Join Summer Speed School

Any athlete who wants a structured training program led by a coach.

CIM Amenities for Training Program and First-Timer Program Participants

Hotel Room Block

Spend your CIM race weekend at a hotel located close to the CIM start line! After enrolling in the CIM First-Timer Program, you'll receive a link to the hotel room block via email.

Shuttle to the Start Line

Enjoy the Fleet Feet experience on race day with a Fleet Feet-only pre-race shuttle from downtown Sacramento to the CIM start line. Get comfy on a heated charter bus—you may even be able to sneak in a pre-race nap! The pickup location is just a few blocks from the CIM finish line, so you won't have to walk far to your car after the race. 

Start Line Warming Tent

As a member of the CIM First-Timer Program, you have access to the exclusive Fleet Feet warming tent at the start line. The warming tent is stocked with bagels, bananas, coffee, water, and the same fueling and hydration products you'll find on the CIM course. Perhaps most importantly, skip the lines and use the Fleet Feet-only set of portable restrooms connected to the warming tent. Whatever your race day needs are, Fleet Feet has you covered!

Step-By-Step Details

STEP 1: REGISTRATION

To participate in the Official CIM Training Program, the Official CIM First Timer Program, or Summer Speed School, YOU MUST USE THE REGISTRATION BUTTON AT THE TOP OF THIS PAGE TO SIGN UP.

On the registration page, select between these program options:

CIM First-Timer Program

Begins June 9, 2025
This option is for first-time marathoners. Select one these training formats:

• CIM First-Timer Program + 26-Week In-Person & Virtual Training Program Bundle

• CIM First-Timer Program + 26-Week In-Person Training Program

• CIM First-Timer Program + 26-Week Virtual Training Program

26-Week CIM Training Program Options

Begins June 9, 2025
This option is for returning marathoners. Select one these training formats:

• 26 Weeks | In-Person & Virtual CIM Training Program Bundle

• 26 Weeks | In-Person CIM Training Program

• 26 Weeks | Virtual CIM Training Program

8-Week Summer Speed School Options

Begins June 9, 2025
This option is for those who don't plan to run CIM, or don't want to commit to the full training program, or want to pay for the 26-week program in 2 payments. Select one these training formats:

• 8 Weeks | In-Person & Virtual Training Program Bundle

• 8 Weeks | In-Person Training Program

• 8 Weeks | Virtual Training Program

18-Week CIM Training Program Options

Begins August 4, 2025
This program is for returning marathoners, or Summer Speed School participants who want to continue their training. Select one these training formats:

• 18 Weeks | In-Person & Virtual CIM Training Program Bundle

• 18 Weeks | In-Person CIM Training Program

• 18 Weeks | Virtual CIM Training Program

STEP 2: ONBOARDING

Once you're signed up, you'll receive an email packed full of information about the program and an invite to the Official CIM Training Program online community.

For programs beginning the week of June 9: In late May or early June, you'll receive an email with information about an in-person preseason information session hosted by your coaches.

For programs beginning the week of August 4: In late June or early July, you'll receive an email with information about an in-person preseason information session hosted by your coaches.

STEP 3: PROGRAM BEGINS

Programs beginning the week of June 9, 2025:

• 26-Week Official CIM Training Program

• CIM First Timer Program

• Summer Speed School

If you're enrolled in the in-person training program, your first practices will take place the week of June 9. If you're enrolled in the virtual training program, your coach will start communicating with you the week of June 9.

Every Monday, beginning Monday, June 9, you'll receive an email newsletter with content related to marathon training: blog posts, videos, and more.

Programs beginning the week of August 4, 2025:

• 18-Week Official CIM Training Program

If you're enrolled in the in-person training program, your first practices will take place the week of August 4. If you're enrolled in the virtual training program, your coach will start communicating with you the week of August 4.

Every Monday, beginning Monday, August 4, you'll receive an email newsletter with content related to marathon training: blog posts, videos, and more.

Questions? Email sactraining@fleetfeet.com.

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