The CIM course starts in Folsom and runs through suburban and urban streets, ending at the California State Capitol in downtown Sacramento. The course features a net downhill profile and paved roads throughout, generally considered fast and conducive to personal best performances. The route passes through scenic neighborhoods and is primarily on asphalt surfaces.

The course has a total net elevation drop of approximately 340 feet from start to finish. While the overall profile is downhill, runners experience a series of rolling hills during the first half of the race, followed by a flatter second half. Most of the major drops are in the early portion, and elevation changes are gentle.