Finding Joy at the California International Marathon: How Runner Carrie Gilbert Redefined the Meaning of a Personal Record

The California International Marathon (CIM) is one of the most inspiring marathons in the country—famous for its scenic, point-to-point course, passionate crowd support, and incredible community.

For many runners, CIM is the race to chase a personal best or qualify for Boston.
But for Carrie Gilbert, CIM became something far deeper—an opportunity to redefine what “PR” truly means.

I first met Carrie at CIM 2023 when she was having a rough day. Around mile eight, her body started to break down, and she found herself struggling to finish. But everything changed when my 6-hour pace group—aka the party in the back—came by.

With laughter, music, and encouragement, Carrie found her rhythm again. By the finish line, she was smiling through the fatigue—and ready to take on the race again next year.

CIM 2024: A Race for Reflection

When I saw Carrie again at CIM 2024, she had something new: a tiny notepad and pen.

Instead of tracking splits or checking her watch, she collected moments—the real kind that make a marathon unforgettable.

For each of the 26.2 miles, Carrie wrote down:

🌹 A Rose: The highlight or joy of the mile
🌵 A Thorn: The challenge or obstacle she faced
💭 A Mantra: A phrase that kept her going

“I wanted this marathon to be mindful,” Carrie shared on the Run Strong Run Podcast.
“I wasn’t running for time—I was running for connection, joy, and reflection.”

Those notes became a beautiful snapshot of what it means to run with purpose.
👉 Click here to read Carrie’s full list of Roses, Thorns, and Mantras from CIM 2024.

Reframing the Personal Record

As runners, we often define success by the clock—faster splits, shorter recovery, new PRs.
But Carrie’s story challenges that mindset.

“Runners tend to think of a personal record as a time-based thing,” she explained.
“But you can have a PR for joy, gratitude, or connection.”

At CIM 2024, she didn’t set a time PR—but she did set her “joy PR.”
She high-fived spectators, cheered for fellow runners, collected mantras, and smiled every step of the way.

That’s what makes CIM so special—it’s not just about how fast you run, but how full your heart feels at the finish line.

Why Runners Love the California International Marathon

Whether it’s your first marathon or your fiftieth, CIM offers an experience like no other:

🏞️ Scenic Course: A net-downhill, point-to-point route from Folsom to Sacramento.
🙌 Unmatched Crowd Support: Spectators line the streets with signs, cowbells, and energy.
🎽 Inclusive Community: From elite runners to back-of-the-pack pacers, every runner counts.
🎉 Flawless Organization: Known for smooth logistics, cheerful volunteers, and an electric finish at the State Capitol.

No wonder thousands return year after year—including me and Carrie.

Carrie’s Words of Wisdom

For anyone training for their first marathon—or rediscovering their love for running—Carrie has some heartfelt advice:

“Don’t get so caught up in numbers that you forget the magic of the miles.
Every step is a victory.”

Because at CIM—and in life—progress isn’t just about pace.
It’s about showing up, finding joy in the journey, and running strong, no matter your speed.

Join Us at CIM Next Year!

If you’ve been dreaming of running a marathon that’s both challenging and joyful, make CIM your next big goal.

Whether you’re chasing a Boston Qualifier or pacing your way to a strong finish with the pace team, there’s a place for you at the start line.

🎁 Download your FREE 5:50 Marathon Pace Band (available in miles and kilometers) to help you stay steady and confident from start to finish.
👉 Click here to grab yours!

And remember—all runners count.