Bizz Johnson's Southside Scramble

Event Details

The Bizz Johnson's Southside Scramble is a trail race in the Susan River Canyon. It offers three distances: the Dirty Devil's 22K, the Tunnel's Blast 14K, and the Hobo Special 7K. All races start and finish at the Hobo Camp Day Use Area in Susanville.

Course Description

The course combines two trails. In even-numbered years (like 2026), runners first ascend the Bizz Johnson Trail and return via the Southside Trail across the river. In odd-numbered years, the course is reversed. The Southside Trail is described as a scenic singletrack path featuring rockslides and vista points.

• Dirty Devil's 22K: This course follows the Bizz Johnson Trail for about 6 miles to Devil's Corral, then crosses the Susan River via a seasonal footbridge to join the Southside Trail back.
• Tunnel's Blast 14K: This route goes about 4 miles on the Bizz Johnson Trail to the first railroad tunnel, climbs over the tunnel via singletrack to reach the Southside Trail for the return.
• Hobo Special 7K: This distance goes about 2 miles up the Bizz Johnson Trail to the Twin Bridges Access connector, then returns on the Southside Trail.

Participant Information

The event has a total cap of 150 runners across all distances. It is designated as a Trail-Sisters Approved event, with equal start line space for women and women's hygiene products available at aid stations. The race is cup-less; participants must bring their own hydration system or collapsible cup, though a cup is provided at packet pickup. Aid stations serve fruit, salty snacks, water, and Heed electrolyte drink.

After finishing, participants can enjoy a post-race party with food and beverages at the Hobo Camp Day Use Area. All finishers receive a custom medal and a custom beach towel. Awards are given to the top three overall finishers (men, women, non-binary) and to the top three in 10-year age groups.

Logistics

Parking at the Hobo Camp Day Use Area is very limited, so carpooling is encouraged. Alternative parking is available a short walk away at Miller Road or at the Bizz Johnson Trailhead near the Susanville Historic Train Depot, which is about 0.75 miles from the start.

Packet pickup is available the day before the race at the Susanville Historic Train Depot and on race morning at the Hobo Camp Day Use Area. There is limited race day registration available. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.