Bizz Johnson Marathon
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Bizz Johnson Marathon and Related Races
The Bizz Johnson events take place in Susanville, California on Sunday, October 11, 2026. Races use remote starts on the Bizz Johnson Trail and finish near Susanville. The full marathon course is USAT&F certified (CA18035RS) and has a reported net downhill loss of 929 feet; official B.A.A. confirmation notes there will be no time penalties assessed for this course.
Event distances:
- 50K remote start; 3.24-mile out-and-back on McCoy Road.
- Marathon remote start; 0.78-mile out-and-back on McCoy Road.
- Express Half Marathon 13.1 miles; remote start at Goumaz Campground (Mile 14).
- Express 10K 6.2 miles; remote start at Devil's Corral Trailhead.
The marathon and 50K begin from Mason Station Trailhead and join the Bizz Johnson Trail through Lassen National Forest. The route climbs about 280 feet to Westwood Junction, then descends, including a 1300-foot drop over the final 20 miles. The trail follows the former Fernley and Lassen Branch railroad line, built in 1914.
Runners cross the Susan River canyon area, pass orange cliffs, and cross the river ten times on wooden railroad bridges. About four miles from the finish the course passes two former railroad tunnels, roughly 800 feet and 450 feet long.
All four events provide bus transport to remote starts. Packet pickup is at the Susanville Historic Train Depot, 601 Richmond Road, with scheduled Saturday and Sunday pickup windows. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
