CIM Race Report – Brandon Tower

Race: California International Marathon

Runner: Brandon Tower

Race Date: 12/05/2021

Location: Sacramento, CA

Results: 2:50:23

3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most?

  • Positive energy from the field and spectators
  • Fast course
  • Well organized

Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you

Slightly early start time

Weird factor – What’s the weirdest thing about this race?

Once you get off the bus at the start line, the only thing you can do with clothes you don’t want to run in is ditch them right then and there. They get collected, and then donated.

Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?

The course is mostly flat and fast. The large field makes for great energy and good company.

Lessons for others – Share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner

Don’t wait until too close to the starting gun to get to the bathroom. I lined up at ~6:35, and made it into the corral with 5 minutes to spare. By that point, I also couldn’t get up to the pacing group I wanted to run with. I had to dodge and weave a bit in the first few miles, and ended up running an extra 0.2 miles total.

Lessons you learned that will help you next time around

Run the tangents better, 26.2 is far enough!

Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race

Expect a lot of rolling hills in the first half, and modify the pace accordingly. The last 12 are the flat/fast reward for managing the pace right in the beginning.

Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?

It’s not bad. Not incredibly scenic, but it’s not terrible.

Difficulty – Is it a tough course?

No, this is a great course to run.

Organized and well run – Did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?

Very well organized, well planned, and well thought out.

Competition – Is there a strong field?

Deep field. 2:50 didn’t even crack the top 500.

Aid Stations – Standard fare or anything special to know about the aid stations in terms of what’s available or when?

Course had 17 aid stations, including 4 that had Gu gels. The aid stations had Nuun options, as well as water.

Weather and typical race conditions

45 degrees and overcast throughout, but no rain. Great to run in, but a little chilly waiting at the start.

Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?

My family was able to catch me at four different points along the course. They had no problem finding parking at various points, including the finish in downtown Sacramento.

How’s the Swag?

Standard.

The Overall Score – How many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it?

Five stars. Fantastic event.

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