Running in Sacramento
Sacramento is one of the best-kept running secrets in California. The American River Parkway is a 32-mile paved trail along the American River that rivals any urban trail in the country. The flat terrain and mild climate from fall through spring make Sacramento a prime spot for marathon training and personal records. The California International Marathon, run on a net-downhill point-to-point course, is one of the fastest marathons in the western US.
Best Seasons
Fall and Spring
Terrain
Sacramento is very flat, making it one of the best cities for speed work and personal records
Top Race
California International Marathon (CIM)
Country
US
Climate and Weather
Sacramento has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers reaching 100F and mild, wet winters in the 50s. Fall (September to November) and spring (March to May) are ideal for running. Summer heat is intense but dry, making early morning runs manageable. Winter brings rain but temperatures stay comfortable for running.
Terrain and Landscape
Sacramento is very flat, making it one of the best cities for speed work and personal records. The American River Parkway is flat and paved. Urban routes are paved and level. The only elevation comes from the net-downhill CIM course, which drops from Folsom to Sacramento.
Top Running Routes
American River Parkway (Jedediah Smith Memorial Trail)
32 milesEasyA paved path running from downtown Sacramento to Folsom Lake along the American River. The trail is flat, scenic, and well-maintained, passing through riparian forests, parks, and river views. Sacramento's premier running route.
Capitol Mall to Old Sacramento Loop
3 milesEasyA flat urban loop from the State Capitol through Old Sacramento and along the Sacramento River waterfront. The route passes historic buildings and the Tower Bridge. A convenient downtown running option.
William Land Park Loop
3 milesEasyA flat loop through a large urban park south of downtown. The path passes a golf course, duck pond, and the Sacramento Zoo. Popular for easy runs and family-friendly outings.
Lake Natoma Loop
9 milesEasyA paved and dirt trail loop around Lake Natoma in Folsom. The path offers water views and connects to the American River Parkway. A popular destination for longer weekend runs.
Davis Bike Loop
12 milesEasyA flat loop around the city of Davis, using the extensive bike path system. The route passes UC Davis campus, farms, and the town center. Located just west of Sacramento and perfect for long, flat runs.
Popular Races
California International Marathon (CIM)
A point-to-point, net-downhill marathon from Folsom to the State Capitol. CIM is one of the fastest marathon courses in the western US and a popular choice for Boston qualifying times.
Sacramento Running Association 10 Mile
A spring race through the streets of downtown Sacramento. The flat course and community atmosphere make it a local favorite.
Run the Parkway
A race on the American River Parkway that showcases the best of Sacramento's trail system. The flat, scenic course draws runners from across Northern California.
Running Culture
Sacramento has a strong running community built around the American River Parkway and the California International Marathon. The Sacramento Running Association and Buffalo Chips Running Club are the main organized groups. CIM weekend in December is the biggest event of the year, drawing competitive runners chasing fast times on the net-downhill course. The parkway trail creates a shared running space that connects the entire region.
Local Runner Tips
The American River Parkway is the best trail in the Sacramento region for any distance
CIM in December is the premier racing event and a great Boston qualifier course
Summer runs need to start before 6 AM as temperatures climb fast after sunrise
Join the Sacramento Running Association or Buffalo Chips Running Club for group runs
Safety Tips
Carry water on any summer run since the dry heat causes fast dehydration
Watch for cyclists on the American River Parkway, especially on weekends
Be alert on isolated sections of the parkway trail early in the morning
Wear sunscreen and a hat for any daytime run in summer
Stay on paved paths to avoid rattlesnakes in the riverside brush
Make Running in Sacramento a Game
Sacramento's American River Parkway is a 32-mile territory corridor waiting to be claimed on Motera. Start downtown and push east toward Folsom, capturing neighborhoods and parkland along the way. The flat terrain means maximum territory coverage on every run, and the active Sacramento running community provides competitive leaderboard action.
Download Motera Free
MoteraFrequently Asked Questions
What is the best running route in Sacramento?
The American River Parkway is the clear winner at 32 miles of flat, paved trail along the river. It is one of the best urban running trails in the country with scenic views and minimal road crossings.
What is the California International Marathon?
CIM is a point-to-point marathon from Folsom to the State Capitol in December. The net-downhill course is one of the fastest in the western US and a popular choice for runners chasing Boston qualifying times.
Is Sacramento flat for running?
Yes, Sacramento is very flat. The entire metro area has minimal elevation change, and the American River Parkway is level throughout its 32 miles. This makes Sacramento ideal for speed work and personal records.
What running clubs are in Sacramento?
The Sacramento Running Association and Buffalo Chips Running Club are the two main groups, both offering regular runs and training programs. Fleet Feet Sacramento and local stores also host weekly group runs.
When is the best time to run in Sacramento?
Fall (September to November) and spring (March to May) offer the best conditions. Summers are hot with temperatures reaching 100F, requiring early morning starts. Winters are mild with some rain.
Explore Nearby Cities
More from Motera
What's Your Runner Type?
Take our free personality quiz to discover your running style
GPS Art Route Planner
Draw shapes on a map and generate runnable routes
Running Guides by State
Explore our state-by-state running guides across America
App Comparisons
Compare top running apps side by side and find your perfect fit
