Meta description: Discover how Futsum Zienasellassie and Molly Born shone at the California International Marathon 2025: time analysis, course insights and tips for preparing a fast marathon.
California International Marathon 2025: race recap and results from Sacramento
The first Sunday in December sees Sacramento become the epicentre of US distance running. The California International Marathon 2025 (CIM), held on 7 December, doubled as the USATF Marathon Championships and attracted thousands of amateur athletes and the North American elite on a 42.195 km course descending from Folsom to the California State Capitol. This edition proved once again why the CIM is one of the fastest marathons on the calendar: Ethiopian‑American Futsum Zienasellassie and debutant Molly Born produced historic performances that earned them the national titles and dominated the weekend’s headlines.
A fast marathon and a national championship
First run in 1983, the CIM still uses the same route: a point‑to‑point course with a net drop of 366 feet (111.5 m) starting in the hills of Folsom and finishing in downtown Sacramento. The organisers emphasise that this downhill profile encourages quick times and has made the race one of the best qualifiers for Boston and the US Olympic Trials. While the descent is legal for qualifying purposes, it means performances don’t count as world or national records, yet it doesn’t stop athletes from running personal bests every year.
In 2025 the CIM once again hosted the US Marathon Championships, raising the competitiveness and depth of the field. With cool weather and clear skies, conditions were ideal for fast times. Over 100 000 runners have crossed the CIM finish line in its four decades of history, drawn by the festive atmosphere, seamless organisation and speedy course.
Men’s race recap
The men’s contest followed an exciting script. 2022 champion Futsum Zienasellassie returned after an injury‑plagued year. He ran smartly from the start, letting Joseph Whelan set the pace through the first half. In the closing kilometres Zienasellassie launched a decisive surge, pulling away alone to break the tape in 2:09:29 and regain the title he won three years earlier. The victory confirms his status as one of the most consistent US marathoners and shows that his strength and endurance training have paid off.
Behind him came Joseph Whelan (2:09:41) and Christian Allen (2:09:57), both with significant personal bests. The depth was such that three athletes went under 2:10, illustrating the strength of the competition. Organisers noted that 39 men ran under 2:15, underlining the quality of the field. The top 10 men were:
- Futsum Zienasellassie – 2:09:29
- Joseph Whelan – 2:09:41
- Christian Allen – 2:09:57
- Joseph Trojan – 2:10:38
- Chris Maxon – 2:10:54
- Jacob Thomson – 2:10:54
- Will Nation – 2:11:13
- Jerrell Mock – 2:11:20
- Jason Weitzel – 2:11:44
- Murphy Smith – 2:11:58
The full results reveal the peloton’s depth: athletes such as Nick Randazzo, Kyle King and CJ Albertson also finished around 2:14, proving that the CIM is an ideal opportunity to achieve qualifying marks for major marathons.
Women’s race recap
The star of the day was Molly Born. The 26‑year‑old Oklahoma State alumna made her marathon debut and ran with the composure of a veteran. She exploited the gentle downhill to maintain an even tempo and crossed the line in 2:24:09, setting a course record and winning the national title. Her performance suggests she has found her event and immediately places her among the best US marathoners.
The podium was rounded out by Sara Hall (2:24:36) and Megan Sailor (2:25:16), both sub‑2:26, highlighting the depth of the women’s field. Hall, at 42, continues to demonstrate her longevity at the elite level. The top five women were:
- Molly Born – 2:24:09 (course record)
- Sara Hall – 2:24:36
- Megan Sailor – 2:25:16
- Lindsey Bradley – 2:28:41
- Maya Weigel – 2:28:44
As many as 41 women finished under 2:40, a figure that reflects the rise of women’s marathoning in the USA. After the race Born remarked, “I knew it was possible, but I didn’t expect this. It feels really good and I think I’ve found my event”. Her spectacular debut suggests we will see her at major international events soon.
Why is the CIM so special?
Beyond the results, the California International Marathon has earned a reputation as a perfect race for athletes chasing personal bests. Several factors explain this fame:
- Fast course: the net downhill and gentle hills make it easier to keep pace from start to finish.
- Ideal weather: the cool December temperatures in Sacramento allow you to run comfortably and delay fatigue.
- Qualification and certification: although performances don’t count as records due to the net drop, the CIM is USATF‑certified and valid to qualify for the Boston Marathon and the Olympic Trials.
- Organisation and atmosphere: the Sacramento Running Association puts on a flawless event with simple logistics, constant support along the course and enthusiastic volunteers.
If you add local crowd support and pacers for various goal times, it’s easy to see why so many athletes travel from across the country (and beyond) to line up in Folsom. The times achieved here, although not official records, serve as a valuable reference when planning future goals.
Tips for preparing for a fast marathon
If you’re considering running the CIM or another fast marathon, preparation is key. Here are some tips to optimise your performance:
- Work on strength and technique: the constant descent is hard on the quadriceps. Include squats, lunges and eccentric work in your routine to adapt. A coach or technique analysis app will help improve your running economy.
- Practise downhill running: include workouts on downhill terrain to get used to the sensation and avoid overload.
- Control intensity with power: using devices or apps that measure running power lets you adjust effort on hills and flats. This way you won’t go out too fast and run out of steam in the final kilometres.
- Don’t neglect aerobic training: long, steady runs build endurance. Take advantage of the cold months to build a solid base; our winter running guide offers strategies for training in chilly weather.
- Plan nutrition and hydration: rehearse your gel and drink strategy on long runs to avoid surprises on race day.
- Rest and sleep: quality sleep is fundamental for recovery and performance; read our article on sleep and running performance for more insights.
Remember that every runner is different. Seek advice from qualified coaches and listen to your body. Consistency and a structured preparation are the best recipe for marathon success.
How can the SnapRace app help you?
In addition to following a training plan, having the right tools makes a difference. The SnapRace app lets you record your sessions, analyse your pace, power and heart rate, and share your progress with a community of runners. Thanks to its real‑time tracking and personalised plans, you can prepare for marathons like the CIM with more control and motivation. You’ll also find challenges and virtual events to keep you engaged between in‑person races.
If you’re thinking about running the California International Marathon in 2026 or any other major race, start planning your season today. Download SnapRace, define your goals and enjoy the journey to the finish line. Ready for your next challenge?