Bizz Johnson
Sun, Oct 11, 2026, 4:00 AM PDT
- Type
- Trail race
Finish signup on the organizer site (check fees and dates there).
Race feel
Chase a PR or BQ on this fast, downhill course through scenic Lassen National Forest, featuring historic railroad bridges and tunnels.
- Fun
- Scenic
- Competitive
Fun
Scenic
CompetitiveThe Bizz Johnson offers a unique opportunity for runners seeking a fast, scenic race experience. Known for its significant net downhill profile, this course is ideal for setting personal records and achieving Boston Marathon qualifying times. You'll traverse the historic Bizz Johnson Trail, winding through the beautiful Lassen National Forest, encountering picturesque wooden bridges and old railroad tunnels. With multiple distances, including a half marathon and 10K, runners can choose their challenge on this USAT&F certified course.
What to expect
- Experience a significant net downhill course, perfect for speed and Boston Marathon qualification.
- Run through the scenic Lassen National Forest, crossing picturesque wooden bridges and passing through old railroad tunnels.
From the organizer
Set PRs and qualify for the Boston Marathon on this fast, downhill course! Total net downhill loss for the marathon is 929 feet making it the PERFECT course to qualify on! Per official B.A.A. confirmation, there will be no time penalties assessed for this course.
All races in 2026 will be Sunday, October 11 . The marathon and 50K start at 8:00 AM at Mason Station Trailhead on McCoy Road with an out-and-back before jumping onto the Bizz Johnson Trail at Mason Station where the races travel through scenic Lassen National Forest. The first few miles of the course climb approximately 280 feet through the forest to Westwood Junction, then it’s downhill to the finish at Susanville, with a 1300-foot descent over the final 20 miles. The trail follows the route of the old Fernley and Lassen Branch Line of the Southern Pacific Railroad, built in 1914.
Roughly two-thirds of the way through the race, the trail enters the Susan River Canyon. Here, you’ll pass orange cliffs and cross the river ten times on picturesque wooden railroad bridges. About four miles from the finish, you’ll pass through two former railroad tunnels, 800 feet and 450 feet in length.
The Express Half Marathon starts at at 9:00 AM at Goumaz Campground which is Mile 14 of the full marathon route. After a short up-and-back, the Express Half Marathon flies down the Bizz Johnson to the finish.
Starting at Devil's Corral, the new Express 10K on Sunday does the last 6.2 miles of the full marathon. This course promises to be a fast, fun race.
For all four events, you will be bused to a remote start.
PACKET PICKUP
Saturday Noon - 6 PM ( 50K, Marathon, Express Half Marathon, Express 10K ): Susanville Historic Train Depot, 601 Richmond Road Sunday Morning 6 AM - 7AM (Marathon and 50K), 7AM - 8 AM (Express Half Marathon and Express 10K): Susanville Historic Train Depot, 601 Richmond Road PLEASE visit our website for maps, schedules, and all the important details!!
USAT&F certified full marathon course (CA18035RS)