Comstock's magazine 0919 - September 2019 | Page 75

special supplement California International Marathon FOLSOM — THE STARTING LINE OF A REGIONAL SUCCESS STORY F olsom represents the California confirms Mansoor. “Launching this as a International Marathon’s beginning: premier race took tremendous backing from It is the starting point of the 26.2- cities and financial partners.” mile race that goes all the way to the State Capitol , and it was central to envisioning the event. “Our goal from the start was to create an international event,” says John Mansoor, cofounder and race director from 1983 to 2012. Sally Edwards, the co-founder of the famed Fleet Feet running shoes, is the other founder. Drawing thousands of elite and recreational runners from across the nation and around the globe, this race has been a growing success from its inception to today. In 1983, developers Angelo K. Tsakopoulos and Bill Cummings provided the prize money needed to attract the world’s elite runners. “This event would not have gotten off the ground without their support,” Thanks to the event’s original partners and supporters, including the Folsom Chamber of Commerce, the marathon had immediate success on an international level. Today, the race draws nearly 9,000 runners and has about a $12 million annual economic impact on the region with close to 5,000 room nights in regional hotels. It is one of the fastest growing marathons in the U.S. and is the No. 1 qualifier for the Boston Marathon. Every December, thousands of runners from around the world support and highlight our region, thanks to the vision of the race’s founders and critical backing from Tsakopoulos and Cummings. “ In 1983 Bill Cummings and I, along with a dedicated team of volunteers, envisioned a Folsom to Sacramento Marathon — which is now the California International Marathon — as a way to celebrate and showcase the natural beauty and healthful living in Folsom and throughout our region. We are humbled and grateful that CIM has grown into one of the most beloved regional events and focused the eyes of the international running community on Folsom and Sacramento. — ANGELO K. TSAKOPOULOS ” Chairman of AKT Investments & Original CIM financial backer Profile Sponsored By RunSRA.org September 2019 | comstocksmag.com 75