Bizz Johnson

Bizz Johnson : Susanville, CA (October 11, 2026)

The Bizz Johnson event on October 11, 2026 includes four point-to-point races finishing at Hobo Camp in Susanville, California. The full marathon is USATF certified (CA18035RS) and is listed as a Boston Marathon qualifier. All events use bus transport to remote start locations and follow the Bizz Johnson Trail through Lassen National Forest and BLM land.

Distances

• 50K
• Marathon (26.2 miles)
• Express Half Marathon
• Express 10K (6.2 miles)

Course, logistics and race details

The course follows a rails-to-trails route on the former Fernley and Lassen Branch Line (built 1914). The marathon has a net downhill of 929 feet. The first miles include a climb of about 280 feet to Westwood Junction, then a long descent with roughly a 1300-foot drop over the final 20 miles. The trail enters the Susan River Canyon, crosses the river ten times on wooden railroad bridges, and passes two former railroad tunnels about four miles from the finish (approximately 800 feet and 450 feet long). Marathon and 50K runners begin with an out-and-back on McCoy Road.

Packet pickup is at the Susanville Historic Train Depot on the weekend before and the morning of the race. Aid stations for 2026 serve HEED Electrolyte and Hammer Gel by Hammer Nutrition; paper cups will be available and reusable Speedcups offered. Time limits are set (50K and marathon 8 hours; Express Half 4 hours; 10K none). Finishers receive medals; 50K finishers receive a custom coaster. Awards are given for overall and age-group placings. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.