Trail running event
running event

Bizz Johnson Trail Marathon
Marathon, 1/2 Marathon, 10K & 5K		   Bizz Johnson Trail
Just one of the twelve bridges you'll cross.

The first few miles of the course climbs a barely noticeable 280 feet through the forest from Westwood 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, which was built in 1914 to transport trees from the dense forests of Lassen County to Fernley, Nevada

Roughly two-thirds of the way through the race, the trail enters the magnificent, rugged Susan River Canyon. Here, you’ll sail past orange cliffs and cross the river ten times on picturesque wooden railroad bridges. With a quarter of the race remaining, a particularly spectacular and thrilling bridge crosses the river far below—glance down, and you may see anglers stalking the wily rainbow and brown trout that call the river home.

According to Runners World Magazine "14 percent of 2006 Bizz Johnson Marathon runners qualified for Boston vs. only 12 percent at the 2006 Chicago Marathon."
Results Photos

Location:
Westwood-Susanville, CA
Lassen National Forest
Dates:
* Sat. Oct. 11, 2008
Express Half Marathon
* Sun. Oct. 12, 2008
Mar. | 1/2 Mar. | 10K | 5K

Entry Fees:
Marathon:  $55, on 12/1 $65, on 1/1/08 $75, on 2/1 $85, on 3/1 $95, on 4/1 $105, 5/1 $115, 6/1 $125
Express 1/2M: $50, on 4/1 $60
 10K, 5K: $24.95
(Includes finisher t-shirts & medal. Awards to first three in 5 year age groups.)
Note:
Register online via Active.com. Entry fees are non-refundable and non-transferable.

Course Map   Profile

FAQ   Fastest in West


What could be sweeter? A super-fast scenic trail that’s groomed to perfection and easy on your knees, winds mile after mile through northeast California’s most gorgeous landscapes. You might just set a course records as it is never steeper than an extremely mild 2%, and it loses over 1,100’ in elevation overall. The surface is packed dirt and fine gravel for a trail experience that’s blissfully road-safe. It’s a great marathon for first-timers and veterans alike.

The Bizz Johnson trail traverses a beautiful remote area that’s inaccessible by roads, so there are no cars, no noise, and no crossings! Arguably the country’s most scenic marathon, it’s particularly lovely in the fall, when gorgeous seasonal yellows, browns, and greens are on display. Your 26.2 mile adventure begins in the picturesque logging town of Westwood, home of Paul Bunyan, the giant logger of legend, where there’s a huge redwood-hewn statue of Paul and his blue ox, Babe.



“The Bizz Johnson was the fastest course I ran last last year (2004). It is like a trail race in terms of the impact on your body, but it runs like a fast road race.”
— Scott Jurek, Seven Time Winner, Course Record, Western States 100

 
  The Bizz Johnson Trail
The trail is perfect for a fast, safe, and beautiful run.
 

The Susan River Canyon is ecologically unique, as it traverses three distinct geological provinces—the Great Basin, Sierra Nevada, and Cascade Range. The scenery is thus quite varied, with features of pine and cedar forest, grassland, oak woodlands, high desert, and canyon lands.

Beyond Goumaz station, the trail slips out of the forest again and enters a broad valley, where it drops to meet the Susan River at Devils Corral. Many birds are attracted to the plants along the river—look for belted kingfishers, hooded orioles, calliope hummingbirds, and canyon wrens; keep your eyes open also for birds of prey, including turkey vultures, American kestrels, and great-horned owls. Later, you’ll run beside the wide, peaceful river and enjoy expansive views over grassy valley meadows and ranch buildings occupied by the lucky souls who work this high-country paradise.

A little closer to the finish, you’ll enjoy a cool, refreshing break, as you pass through two splendidly spooky old railroad tunnels, 800 feet and 450 feet in length. The Bizz Johnson Marathon takes you the fast way through the mountain, instead of over it! Local old-timers swear you can hear the locomotive’s plaintive whistle, deep in the tunnels’ heart. (Miner’s lanterns will light your footing during the race.).

There are two different 1/2 marathon races. The Express 1/2 Marathon on Saturday does the second half of the full marathon. You will be bussed to a remote start. The 1/2 Marathon on Sunday starts in Susanville and goes out and back using only the last quarter of the full marathon route.


Frequently Asked Questions
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