Bizz Johnson

Event overview

The Bizz Johnson event on October 11, 2026 in Susanville, CA includes the following distances:

• 50K
• Marathon
• Express Half Marathon
• Express 10K

The marathon course is USATF certified (CA18035RS) and is listed as a Boston Marathon qualifier. All races use remote, point-to-point starts and finish at Hobo Camp. Packet pickup is at the Susanville Historic Train Depot on the weekend before the race and on race morning.

Course and logistics

The marathon and 50K begin near Mason Station with an initial out-and-back on McCoy Road before joining the Bizz Johnson Trail through Lassen National Forest. The course follows the former Fernley and Lassen Branch Line of the Southern Pacific Railroad. The first miles include an uphill gain of about 280 feet to Westwood Junction, then a net downhill of 929 feet overall, including a 1300-foot descent over the final 20 miles. The trail enters the Susan River Canyon about two-thirds of the way in, 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. Runners are bused to remote start locations; Goumaz Campground and Devil’s Corral serve as starts for the Express races.

Support and awards

Aid stations will supply electrolyte drink HEED and Hammer Gel for 2026. Finishers in all distances receive a custom medal; 50K finishers also receive a custom coaster. Overall and age-group awards are given. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.