If you have never run a trail marathon, this one would be a good introduction, if you come prepared. There is no expo, and only a simple bib pickup. Susanville isn't a thriving metropolis, so bring what you need. The bus ride was comfortable, and we were blessed with fairly decent temperatures at the start. Be prepared for a very casual start, with a bullhorn call to the line.

The water tables are manned by fantastic volunteers, but most are 3 miles apart, so bring your own water and fuel for in between. Most likely, those volunteers will be the only people that you will see on the trail to cheer you on!

It got warm near the finish, and we were filthy from the trail. All in all, I'm glad that we did it, just to have a trail marathon under my belt, but I don't think I'll be doing that again. If you run it, do it for the memory because the medal is pretty cheap.

I thought it was great for my first time running a marathon. I'd say it's a nice easy course (I can't compare it as this was my first marathon) I was able to finish without any real serious pain and I didn't even train for it. Everyone was friendly, the aid stations were spaced just the right distance and stocked with plenty for everyone, the food at the end was wonderful. I will make this a yearly event.

This is my sixth year running the Bizz Johnson Trail Marathon and this year I did the 50K. The 50K was just added this year, and starts an hour before the regular marathon with an out and back along a fire road that parallels the Bizz Johnson Trail. The entire rail trail is a little less than 25 miles so both the marathon and 50K both start with an appropriately measured out and back. This worked perfectly for me because I ended up running into the pack of marathoners after an hour run and since all the mile markers were based on the marathon distance psychologically it just seemed like I was running a regular marathon after a little early morning jog.

After the first section on the fire road the course follows a well broken in (that is to say NOT technical) rail trail that is a delight to run. There are about five uphill miles at the start and then 21 miles of gradual, steady downhill with zero pavement - perfect.

The race was well organized, but there was no expo or swag this year so make sure you have everything you need prior to arriving in Susanville. The race is a mostly downhill point to point with bus transport to the start.

I live and train at the same altitude as the race so the elevation is a non-issue for me. Some, but not all, people who come from sea level seem to feel the altitude difference.

As usual I took photos before and during the race which are on flickr and are also linked from the Bizz Johnson website.

The course is beautiful, the weather was perfect. I took it slow & before I knew it I was at the finish line shocked & surprised at how easy and painless it was. I can't compare this marathon to any other since it was my 1st. It was well organized, aid stations had plenty of water, electrolytes, Cliff shots & salt PLUS an amazing variety of extras including oranges, bananas, potato+corn chips, Mike&Ikes and M&Ms! *BigThankU to the awesome volunteers at the aid stations! No huge crowds of spectators so if you absolutely can't live without a huge crowd this event isn't for you. If you don't need large crowds then you'll be quite happy with this little group of very enthusiastic spectators. I recommend this event to those who prefer small gatherings of relaxed friendly people and mellow low-stress environment. I definitely will run it again next year.

Well organized, fun little marathon. First half is kind of monotonous; second half is scenic but can be pretty warm. If you need lots of spectators and distractions this is not the race for you. The long descent is so gradual as to be unnoticable. The aid stations were well staffed and the folks you did run into were very enthusiastic. Great event, but realize it is still a 'trail' marathon in spite of the flat, even course. Footing is soft and easy on the joints but not fast. They should start at 8am or even 7am. 9am start is too late.

I ran the Bizz October 2011 and it was absolutely amazing. The race organization was top notch, the trail was beautiful, the downhill was noticeable and so much fun. While Susanville isn't quaint or sophisticated, it is a great base for the marathon weekend: the people are nice, the hotel was cheap and comfortable, and everything was easy to get to. Running through the tunnels was almost a mystical experience: the quiet, the laterns along the course, and my beating heart and labored breathing. I didn't feel the altitude, but felt like my feet barely touched the ground during the long, gradual descent. All in all, it was a blast. It is two months later and I still smile when I think about it. We are definitely coming back in 2012, but I have to let my husband run the marathon this time, while I do the express 1/2 on Saturday. (P.S., this website deducted stars for lack of spectators, but it really is a 5-star race and the few spectators there are were enthusiastic!)

This is my fifth year doing this race. What I like most is the fact that it is not pavement. I train almost exclusively on trails including a local rail trail that is very similar to this course. The other thing I love is the scenery along the way. The new race director does a fine job and everything has gone smoothly.

I do hear a lot of the other runners complaining about the altitude - is it truly a factor or just an excuse du jour? I live and train at this altitude so I can't feel it - but the first six miles or so of the race are above 5000' so if you live in a coastal area you might notice it. More importantly, though, is the fact that this area is extremely DRY so sweat will evaporate quickly. The hazard of that is not realizing how much water you are losing via sweating and not drinking enough. Although the race generally starts in the cold the last six miles are often quite warm and you don't want be dehydrated at that point.

As usual I took photos before, during, and after the race which are in flickr and are also linked from the Bizz Johnson website.

Coastal Trail Runners does a nice job organizing this race. The logistics were easy and the aid stations well stocked with friendly volunteers. It's a small event and I loved having the course all to myself at times. It was nice to run on the trail and my body was much less stiff the following day than usual. The elevation was a challenge and it felt up hill all the way despite what the course elevation shows. While some of the other posts complained about the train whistle medal, I liked having something different given how different this marathon was from others I've run.

The one thing I would change would be to start the race at least one hour earlier. The current 9 a.m. start leads to a rushed hotel check out and a late arrival home Sunday night (as Susanville is a long drive from most places) - not to mention the fact that you have to run in the midday sun.

Course: 4 stars. Beautiful, but it's not fast as advertised.
Organization: 5 stars. Well done, but can you please put all of the details in the pre-race e-mail in case we cannot access your website while traveling.
Spectators: 4 stars. The few who were there were very enthusiastic but I liked the peacefulness of the wilderness.

My husband and I chose this race because we want to run Boston in 2011 and I needed a qualifying race that took place prior to Boston opening for registration. Since we live and train at 5,000', we figured this marathon would be a good one for us to try. Another plus was that it was on trails, which we love.

I would have to agree with the comments that other reviewers have noted. This course is definitely run like a trail run so there aren't aid stations but every 2 miles and there are not port-a-potties along the way. However, the scenery was very pretty (but I'm usually not paying attention when I'm running). Here is a quick run-down on the good and bad of this race.

Pros: Pretty views, well-marked course - every mile was marked and easy to see - nice marathon shirt, lot of food choices at every aid station, and it was fun running through old train tunnels

Cons: The trail was similar to running on gravel so your feet got sore after awhile, elevation - the first 14 miles are above 5,200' before dropping to 4,200' by the end - the aid stations are 2 miles apart and with the temps climbing into the 70s, I didn't have enough water (I would recommend bringing a water bottle to run with), there was no electrolyte drink at a number of aid stations, and we got an unimpressive medal.

I think if you come into the race with the right expectations you won't be disappointed. But if you've run a number of marathons and are expecting a "fast" course, you won't find it here. As a side note, both my husband and I did qualify for Boston but our times were approximately 10 - 20 minutes off of our PR times.

We attended the pasta feed at a local casino, which was actually delicious. A fascinating history of the trail was presented at the end of the meal. The weather was ideal. I did P.R., and improved on my Boston qualifying time. But not by as much as I thought I would. I struggled between mile 19 and 20. And walked a bit, after that. Altitude? Maybe. Running the trail is far superior to running on asphalt, folks. The scenery is gorgeous. Everyone is very friendly. Yes, it is not easy to get there, but it is worth the inconvenience. The Super 8 is dog-friendly, and adjusted their checkout to 2:00, allowing us time to shower after the race. I will run this course again.