Bizz Johnson

Event overview

The Bizz Johnson takes place on Sunday, October 11, 2026, in Susanville, California (finish at Hobo Camp; packet pickup at the Susanville Historic Train Depot, 601 Richmond Road). Events offered:

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

The full marathon is USATF certified (CA18035RS) and is listed as a Boston Marathon qualifier. The marathon course has a net downhill of 929 feet.

Course and logistics

All races are point-to-point on the Bizz Johnson Trail and nearby access roads; runners are bused to remote starts. The marathon and 50K begin with an out-and-back on McCoy Road from Mason Station, then continue on the Bizz Johnson Trail through Lassen National Forest. The first miles include about a 280-foot climb to Westwood Junction, followed by a sustained descent, including roughly a 1,300-foot drop over the final 20 miles. The trail follows the former Fernley and Lassen rail line (built 1914). Around two-thirds of the route the trail enters the Susan River Canyon, crosses the river ten times on wooden railroad bridges, and passes through two former railroad tunnels about 800 feet and 450 feet long, roughly four miles from the finish. The Express Half uses the route from Goumaz Campground (mile 14 of the marathon); the Express 10K covers the last 6.2 miles from Devil’s Corral.

Support, cutoffs and packet pickup

Packet pickup: Saturday noon to 6:00 PM at the train depot; Sunday morning pickup windows are provided for each race. The event provides paper cups at aid stations and offers HydraPak Speedcups at packet pickup. Aid station supplies for 2026 include HEED electrolyte and Hammer Gel. Time limits: 50K - 8 hours, Marathon - 8 hours, Express Half - 4 hours, 10K - no time limit. Cutoff points occur at Devil’s Corral for the marathon (20 miles) and 50K (25 miles) at 6 hours 30 minutes into the race. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.