106 Runners – 54 Women and 52 Men – Hit Olympic Trials Qualifying Time
SACRAMENTO, CA -- The 42nd edition of the California International Marathon played host to the USATF Marathon Championships – bringing some of the nation’s best runners to California’s capital city for a day of record-breaking performances.
In display of remarkable American distance running depth, 106 runners – 52 men and 54 women – ran Marathon Olympic Trials qualifying times of 2:16:00 for men and 2:37:00 for women, a near record number of qualifiers from a single marathon.
Women's Race: A Star is Born in the Marathon
Molly Born delivered a stunning performance – setting the course record and winning the national championship in her first-ever marathon in a time of 2:24:09. The Chapel Hill, N.C. resident seized control of the race with a bold surge at mile 19 and never looked back, crossing the finish line as the newly crowned USATF marathon champion.
“I wasn’t expecting all this in my first marathon. I loved the rolling hills – they’re similar to the ones I train on in North Carolina,” said Born. “I think I’m a marathoner now. I’ll keep going on this trajectory. I’m glad to have found my event.”
Finishing in second place was Sara Hall, the Santa Rosa native and veteran marathoner who captured the 2017 CIM title. Hall crossed the line in 2:24:36, setting a new masters (over age 40) course record.
Men's Race: Zienasellassie Claims Second CIM Title
In the men’s race, Futsum Zienasellassie made a triumphant return to Sacramento, repeating his 2022 victory in a thrilling finish that saw him surge past Joseph Whelan in the race's final mile. It was the second time Zienasellassie has claimed the national championship title on the CIM course.
“I must really like this city and this course. There are rolling hills in the first half, but I really enjoy the last 10k of this race,” said Zienasellassie, who won in a time of 2:09:29. “My confidence grew when I got within 10 seconds with 2k to go. I knew I was going to bring it home.”
Whelan, of Webster, N.Y., commanded the race from nearly the starting gun, blazing through the halfway point in 1:04:30 and maintaining his lead through stretches past Sacramento State University and into downtown Sacramento. But in a dramatic final mile, Zienasellassie found another gear, overtaking Whelan and surging to a 12-second victory.
The men's podium rewrote the record books: each of the top three finishers – Zienasellassie, Whelan, and Christian Allen – broke the American course record of 2:10:06 set last year by CJ Albertson.
Both national champions earned the $20,000 first-place prize for their victories.
A Community Celebration
The California International Marathon is organized by the Sacramento Running Association (SRA), a nonprofit organization dedicated to encouraging people of all ages and abilities to embrace the joy of running. SRA is committed to developing high-quality running events that welcome everyone from Olympic hopefuls to first-time marathoners.
"From our nation's fastest runners to weekend warriors finishing their first-ever marathon, CIM showcases the very best of the human spirit every year," said SRA Executive Director Scott Abbott. "This civic institution is not only a tremendous economic engine for the Sacramento region but a source of pride for the thousands of runners, volunteers, and fans who line the course to cheer every single participant toward the finish line."
In addition to the 10,000 marathon runners, an estimated 1,000 CIM relay runners, 75,000 spectators, and 4,000 volunteers came together to create an electric atmosphere of community support and celebration.