What is the difference between the two 1/2 marathon races?

The Express 1/2 Marathon on Saturday is downhill only, following the last half of the full marathon course (see profile). You will be bussed to a remote start. On Sunday, the 1/2 marathon is out-and-back starting in Susanville using the last quarter of the full marathon course.

Is the course certified as a Boston qualifier?

Absolutely! Bizz Johnson is a USAT&F-certified full marathon course. Our certificate number is CA07037RS .

What is the course like for the half marathon? Is it out and back? Is there shuttle service for the half marathon also?

The half marathon, 10K and 5K on Sunday are all out and back courses, starting at the Train Depot in Susanville and finishing in Hobo Camp. There is no need for a shuttle. These courses run slightly uphill until the turn around and then downhill to the finish. The half marathon gets to go through both tunnels twice and covers the prettiest sections of the course. The 10K and 5K do not reach the tunnels. All three shorter distance events will start at 9:00 AM. The Express 1/2 Marathon on Saturday is downhill only, following the last half of the full marathon course (see profile). You will be bussed to a remote start.

How often will there be aid stations? What will they contain?

There will be aid stations about every two miles (mile 2, then mile 4, mile 6, mile 8, mile 10, etc. on the even numbered miles) for a total of 12 stations. All aid stations are fully stocked with water, Gatorade (the green original flavor aka lemon -lime), gels, bars, oranges, bananas, pretzels and a first aid kit (Vaseline, Band-Aids, etc.).

Will there be Special Needs drop bags?

Yes, we will have pick-ups at miles 9, 14 and 20. Special Needs bags will be collected the Saturday before the race. There are absolutely no Special Needs bags taken on race day.

Will spectators be allowed throughout the course since it's a trail run?

This is a trail run in wilderness area with very limited access. There are three dirt roads access points along the trail where four-wheel-drive vehicles can reach the trail. However, we prefer that these by used by emergency vehicles only. The best views are in the last six miles of the course. Our recommendation to spectators is to park near the Train Depot and walk up the trail.

How many participants are you expecting?

For 2007 we have a cut-off at 600 participants in the Marathon. In 2004, our first year, we had 268 marathoners from 34 states and several countries, plus 200 in the half and a tad over 40 in the 10K and 5K - totaling approximately 500 runners.

What is the closest airport?

The closest major airport is Reno about 85 miles SE of Susanville.

How much climbing or elevation gain will there be?

The Bizz Johnson Trail is located on an old railroad bed, which is very carefully laid out to minimize changes in elevation. The average grade when climbing or descending is about 1.7% with a maximum of about 2%—you will generally feel like you are running on level ground. As you can see in the profile, you will descend about 120 ft over the first mile and a half, then climb 280 ft to the 7-mile mark before descending gradually 1300 ft to the finish line. But while the running may feel mostly level, you should find your running pace quickened noticeably by the long gradual descent. The only exception to this gradual profile is a half-mile stretch of trail just before the 20-mile mark, where the trail detours around a burnt-out bridge and under Hwy 36, descending and then climbing about 60 ft to and from river level to do so.

What is the trail surface like?

The trail surface is unpaved fine firmly packed dirt and gravel. It is regularly graded and smooth underfoot. You will find it roughly equivalent to running on firm dry dirt—much gentler on your knees and ankles than pavement. Your standard running shoes should work well.

What is the weather likely to be on race day?

AVERAGES
High: 69°F
Low: 35°F

RECORDS
High: 84°F
Low: 19°F


What is the time limit for the races?

You’ll have seven hours to officially complete the marathon or three and half hours for the half marathon. We will, however, allow everyone to finish regardless of time although those finishing beyond the official time limits might not be included in the race day results.

When and where can you pick up bib numbers?

We will have bib pick up starting 3:00 PM the Friday before the races at the Train Depot. Bib numbers are not mailed in advance. Bib numbers can also be picked up a on race day starting at 5:30 AM at the Train Depot. Persons must pick up their own bib numbers and present government issued ID. Under no circumstances may you pick up someone else's bib.

Can I leave my warm-up clothes at the starting line?

Marathoners may leave your clothing and other items at the starting line. We will supply you with white plastic bags. Write your bib number on the bag and place the bags inside the rental van at the starting line. Bags can be retrieved only at the Train Depot in Susanville. Please remember to do so! There will be a minimum $25.00 fee to ship any forgotten items. All unclaimed items will be donated to local charities on October 18, 2008. Items left at aid stations will be returned to the Train Depot when the aid station closes - after the last runner pass through. Do not leave gear anywhere expect the aid stations. Items left along the trail will be considered garbage. Please be careful.

Can I change my mind about which distance to run on Sunday?

Yes, you can switch registration from the full marathon to Sunday's half marathon - but you may not switch from half to the full marathon. If you do decide to switch to the shorter distance, you must do so officially. We will need to supply you with the correct bib number that corresponds to the appropriate race. You may make your final decision up to when you pick up your bib number. If you run an event with the wrong bib number you will be disqualified from the race and all awards. Transfers from Sunday events to the Saturday Express is not allowed.

Will there be shuttle buses in the morning?

Yes, there will be shuttle buses from Susanville (the finish line, parking and registration area) to Westwood (the starting line) starting at 7:15 AM. Buses will leave from the historic Train Depot in Susanville at 7:45 AM. There is no additional fee for the shuttle bus and no spectators are allowed. Your bib number will be your ticket for the bus ride. There is no shuttle service after the race. Please park in Susanville. There is very limited parking available near the starting line, and spectators are encouraged to park in Susanville and to plan to view the end portions of the race. Maps will be provided to show the best places to park. Do not leave anything on the bus. You can leave your pre-race clothing in the rental van at the starting line - it will be trucked after the start to the finish line.

Can you give me an overall timetable?

• Friday October 9th, 2009
- 3:00 PM–7:00 PM Registration opens at Train Depot for all events

• Saturday, October 10, 2009 – Express 1/2 Marathon Only
- 6:30 AM–7:45 AM Express Registration & bib pick-up at Train Depot
- 7:45 AM–7:55 AM Mandatory Express pre-race briefing
- 7:55 AM–8:00 AM Buses load at Train Depot
- 8:00 AM–8:00 AM All buses leave (absolutely no car access)
- 8:00 AM–8:45 AM Drive to start line
- 8:45 AM–9:00 AM Leave bus and bathrooms
- 9:00 AM–9:00 AM Express Half Marathon starts

• Saturday, October 10, 2009
- 12:00 Noon–8:00 PM: Registration and Bib Pick at the Depot
- 5:30–6:45 PM: Pre-Race Dinner at Elk's Lodge
- 6:45–7:00 PM: Bizz Johnson Presentations
- 7:00–8:30 PM: Presentation by Stan Bales, Bizz Johnson trail creator.

• Sunday, October 11, 2009
- 5:30–7:15 AM: Registration and Bib Pick at the Depot
- 7:45–7:45 AM: Buses leave from Train Depot to starting line for Marathon only
- 9:00 AM: Marathon Starts
- 7:30 AM–8:45 AM: Registration and Bib Pick at the Depot
- 9:00 AM: Half Marathon, 10K and 5K starts across the street from Train Depot

All events finish at Hobo Camp. There are no cars allowed into Hobo Camp. Cars in Hobo Camp will be towed. On Sunday there are shuttle buses between Hobo Camp and the Train Depot.

Directions to Depot

Can you tell me about the pre-race dinner and presentations?

Location: Elks Lodge, 400 Main Street
Time: 5:30 PM (dinner)
Price: $25.00 at the door.
Presentations: 2004 Scott Jurek, 2005 Dean Karnaz, 2006 Paula Newby Fraser and Paul Huddle, 2008 is Sharlene Willis, blind marathoner and 2 time Bizz Johnson runner. Sharlene is the only blind runner in the world to complete a trail marathon. Join us for her running inspirational story.

Dinner Menu
- Baked Chicken
- Pasta Marinara -
- Green salad
- Sliced fruit
- Rolls, butter
- Dessert
- Ice Tea

What hotels do you recommend?

High Country Inn
3015 E Riverside Dr.
Susanville, CA 96130-4569
(530) 257-3450

Super 8
2975 Johnstonville Rd.
Susanville, CA 96130-4736
(530) 257-2782

Best Western
2785 Main St.
Susanville, CA
(800) 359-5672

River Inn (530) 257-6051

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Need help finding a place to stay? Please call Susanville Chamber of Commerce at (530) 257-4323.