Bizz Johnson

Bizz Johnson Race Events

The Bizz Johnson events take place in Susanville, California, utilizing the Bizz Johnson Trail and surrounding areas within the Lassen National Forest. The courses are set on a former railroad route built in 1914 for the Southern Pacific Railroad. The marathon is a USAT&F certified course and serves as a Boston Marathon qualifier with a total net downhill loss of 929 feet.

Participants can choose from four distinct distances:

• 50K: Begins at Mason Station Trailhead with an out-and-back section on McCoy Road before joining the main trail.
• Marathon: Starts at Mason Station Trailhead, featuring a short out-and-back section and a 1300-foot descent over the final 20 miles.
• Express Half Marathon: A remote start beginning at Goumaz Campground, covering the second half of the marathon course.
• Express 10K: A downhill course starting at Devil's Corral Trailhead and following the final 6.2 miles of the marathon route.

The terrain features a light climb of approximately 280 feet near the start before transitioning to a downhill descent toward the finish at Hobo Camp Day Use Area. Runners pass through the Susan River Canyon, crossing ten wooden railroad bridges and passing through two historic tunnels measuring 800 feet and 450 feet in length. For all events, runners are transported by bus from the check-in location to the remote starting points. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.