Bizz Johnson Marathon

Bizz Johnson Marathon

Set PRs and qualify for the Boston Marathon on this fast, downhill course! The Bizz Johnson Trail begins at Mason Station and travels through scenic Lassen National Forest. The first few miles of the course climb 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.

There are two different half marathon races. The Half Marathon (10 Km) on Saturday starts in Susanville and goes out and back using only the last quarter of the full marathon route. The Express Half Marathon on Sunday does the second half of the full marathon, with a remote start provided.

NEW IN 2024, is the exciting Express Half Marathon Relay! Leg 1 runners will start with the Express Half Marathon while Leg 2 runners will be transported to join the run at Mile 7.