Bizz Johnson

Bizz Johnson, Susanville CA

The Bizz Johnson event offers multiple point-to-point trail distances on the Bizz Johnson Trail through Lassen National Forest and BLM land near Susanville, California. The event includes the following distances:

• 50K
• Marathon (USATF certified, CA18035RS; Boston qualifier)
• Express Half Marathon
• Express 10K

The marathon course has a total net downhill loss of 929 feet. The route begins with an initial climb of about 280 feet to Westwood Junction, then descends toward Susanville with roughly a 1,300-foot drop over the final 20 miles. The trail follows the former Fernley and Lassen Branch railroad line built in 1914. About two thirds of the way through the longer races the trail enters the Susan River Canyon, crosses the river ten times on wooden railroad bridges, and passes through two former railroad tunnels of about 800 feet and 450 feet located roughly four miles from the finish.

All races use remote starts; runners are transported by bus to trailhead start locations. The marathon and 50K begin with an out-and-back on McCoy Road from Mason Station before joining the main trail. The Express Half starts near Goumaz Campground at mile 14 of the marathon route and the Express 10K starts at Devil's Corral covering the last 6.2 miles to the finish at Hobo Camp. Packet pickup is located at the Susanville Historic Train Depot on the day before the races and the morning of race day.

Aid stations for 2026 list HEED electrolyte and Hammer Gel by Hammer Nutrition. Finishers receive custom medals and the 50K finisher also receives a custom coaster. Time limits are listed for each distance. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.