HalfRuns
Bizz Johnson

Bizz Johnson

The Bizz Johnson Half Marathon offers a fast, net-downhill trail run through scenic Lassen National Forest.

Race Date

Oct 11, 2026

Location

Susanville, CA

Standout61

Quick facts

Date
Sunday, October 11, 2026
Location
Susanville, California
Distance
Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 50K, Marathon, 10K
Course
Point to Point
Terrain
Trail
USATF certified
Not listed
Finishers on record
6,137

Highlights

Good For

PR FriendlyDestination Worthy

Atmosphere

Local CommunityGreat SwagWell Organized

Course

Net DownhillScenic Route

The Experience

The Bizz Johnson Half Marathon, part of a series that includes a Boston Qualifier marathon, promises a swift journey through Northern California's natural beauty. Runners traverse the historic Bizz Johnson Trail, a former railroad line that winds through the expansive Lassen National Forest.

The course is largely a net downhill, with significant descents that make it an attractive option for those chasing personal bests. The trail itself offers varied scenery, from forest paths to the dramatic Susan River Canyon, characterized by orange cliffs and crossings over picturesque wooden bridges.

This race, with a median of around 1700 finishers in its four editions, draws participants from approximately eight states. A notable portion, about 22%, are repeat runners, underscoring its appeal. The event culminates in Susanville, offering a rewarding finish after a scenic and potentially fast race.

Race-provided description

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 RoadSunday 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)

Logistics

Race Day

Sunday, October 11, 2026

Start Time

9:00 AM

Giveaway

Softstyle T-shirt

Start Location

601 Richmond Road, Susanville, CA, 96130

Directions

Course Info

Course Type

Point to Point

Terrain

trail

Scenery

Forest, Rural

Surface

Dirt Trail

Difficulty

Rolling Hills

Net Drop/km

0 m (Flat)

Separation

0.0%

Also Offers

50KMarathon10K

Quality Score

Standout61
Methodology
Heritage8/20

4 years running

Size15/15

~1,701 finishers a year

Momentum0/5

shrinking

Loyalty20/20

22% returning runners

Course & details5/15

3 timing sources

National draw5/10

runners from 8 states

Front-pack speed3/5

winner 1:19:36

Weather5/10

typical high 67°F

Race Day Weather

5-year historical avg

Start (Low)

43°

Afternoon (High)

67°

Pleasant conditions — light layers at start, comfortable by finish

0.0"

Precipitation

9 mph

Wind

52%

Humidity

Historical Finish Times

How 6,137 finishers actually crossed the line across 4 years.

Most recent

2025

Total finishers

6,137

Median time

2:18:33

Latest turnout

65

States

16

10%
25%
75%
90%
1:15p50 median ≈ 2:204:30

Turnout by year

20222025

'22'23'24'25
See full results

Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.

Race Photos

Frequently asked

When is the Bizz Johnson?

The Bizz Johnson is held on Sunday, October 11, 2026, starting at 9:00 AM.

Where does the Bizz Johnson take place?

It takes place in Susanville, California.

What distances does the Bizz Johnson offer?

The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 50K, Marathon, 10K.

Is the Bizz Johnson course flat and good for a PR?

The Bizz Johnson is a rolling hills, point to point course.

How many people run the Bizz Johnson?

HalfRuns has finish records for 6,137 runners who have completed the Bizz Johnson.

HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.

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