Bizz Johnson

Event overview

The Bizz Johnson events take place on Sunday, October 11, 2026, in Susanville, California (Historic Train Depot, 601 Richmond Road). The race offers the following distances:

• 50K
• Marathon
• Express Half Marathon
• Express 10K (6.2 miles)

The full marathon is USATF certified (CA18035RS) and is listed as a Boston Qualifier. The marathon course has a net downhill loss of 929 feet. All events are point-to-point and use remote starts; participants are bused to the start and finish at Hobo Camp.

Course and logistics

The 50K and marathon begin with an out-and-back on McCoy Road from Mason Station Trailhead, then continue on the Bizz Johnson Trail through Lassen National Forest. The first miles climb about 280 feet to Westwood Junction, then descend toward Susanville with roughly a 1,300-foot drop over the final 20 miles. The trail follows the former Fernley and Lassen railroad line, enters the Susan River Canyon about two-thirds of the way through, crosses the river ten times on wooden railroad bridges, and passes two former railroad tunnels (approximately 800 feet and 450 feet long) about four miles from the finish.

Packet pickup is at the Susanville Historic Train Depot on the day before and the morning of the race. Aid stations for 2026 list HEED electrolyte and Hammer Gel; paper cups will be available and optional HydraPak Speed Cups are offered to reduce waste. Time limits: 50K and marathon - 8 hours; Express Half - 4 hours. There is a Devil’s Corral cut-off (marathon - 20 miles; 50K - 25 miles) set at 6 hours 30 minutes. Finishers receive medals; 50K finishers also receive a custom coaster. Awards include overall and age-group placings. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.