Runners from all over the west coast who are looking for a fast, scenic course and a chance to qualify for the Boston Marathon are headed to Susanville for this weekend’s Bizz Johnson Marathon, 50K, and other races. The October 11th, event features a variety of distances, including a 50K ultra, full marathon (26.2 miles), two different half marathons (13.1 miles) and a 10K.
The Full Marathon: A Boston Qualifier on a Scenic Downhill Course
The USATF-certified Bizz Johnson Marathon (CA18035RS) is a confirmed Boston Marathon qualifier, renowned for its downhill profile. With a net descent of 929 feet for the full marathon, and a steep 1,300-foot descent over the final 20 miles, the course is often cited as the “perfect” place to achieve a personal record or qualification time.
The Marathon and 50K races begin at Mason Station near Westwood and follow a scenic point-to-point route to the finish at Hobo Camp in Susanville.
After an initial 280-foot climb through the Lassen National Forest, the course transitions into the historic Bizz Johnson Trail, built along the route of the old Southern Pacific Railroad.
Runners will enjoy traversing the Susan River Canyon, crossing the river ten times on picturesque wooden railroad bridges, and passing through two former railroad tunnels before reaching the finish line.
Participants for the Marathon and 50K will be bused from the Railroad Depot in Susanville to the remote start line.
Click here to register online.
Saturday, October 11th: 50K and Full Marathon (8:00 a.m. start); Half Marathon and 10K (9:00 a.m. start). The Saturday Half Marathon and 10K are out-and-back races starting in Susanville across from the Railroad Depot.
All events finish at Hobo Camp, with a free shuttle running between Hobo Camp and the Susanville Historic Train Depot for runners.
Registration and Packet Pickup
- Online pre-registration for all events closes at noon on Thursday, October 9th. Runners are encouraged to register early.
- Packet Pickup Schedule at the Susanville Historic Train Depot (601 Richmond Road):
- Friday, October 10: Noon – 6:00 p.m. (All Races)
- Saturday, October 11: 6:30 a.m. – 7:00 a.m. (50K/Marathon); 8:00 a.m. – 8:45 a.m. (Half Marathon/10K)
- Saturday, October 11: 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. at Hobo Camp Day Use Finish Line Area (Express Half Marathon ONLY)
Awards and Swag
All finishers in the 50K, Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K, and Express Half Marathon will receive a custom finisher medal (with a unique design for Sunday’s Express Half). Custom awards will be given to the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Place Overall Male/Female/Non-Binary Finishers, as well as Age Group Finishers. 50K finishers also receive a custom coaster.
For additional information, course maps, and registration, please visit the official event website.
