All in all, Bizz Johnson is FANTASTIC race! The organization was great, aid stations were well stocked (Thanks Ian and Co.!), and this is the most beautiful race course I have ever, and probably will ever, run. True, there is no crowd support, but I knew that going in and it didn't bother me one bit because the scenery kept my mind occupied. It was great to run into the 1/2 marathoners near the end to add a little variety in. The altitude and decline only affected me slightly. I would recommend getting out there a few days in advance - if you're from the lowlands - and training on hills and strengthening your quads if you can. I still was very happy with my time, only 3 minutes slower than I hoped.

The only negatives are: no chip timing, and although the t-shirt design is great, a technical tee would be a great upgrade.

I loved the low-key feel of the race and hope never to do a huge, crowded, big-city marathon again! You can't expect all the bells and whistles of a giant, corporate-sponsored, big-city marathon at Bizz, but what you get is a well-organized beautiful run through the woods. I would definitely run it again.

I second the recommendation to eat at the Black Bear Diner in Susanville post-race. The Timber House Lodge in Chester is a great place to stay too!

Our family of four ran the express half marathon. We spent five days in Susanville and had a great time. There are lots of cool things to see that are relatively close by (Lassen Volcanic National Park, and Burney Falls State Park stand out). The area along the course is beautiful. The aid stations were completely stocked with anything you might need (e.g. liquids, Gu, trail mix, etc.) One negative was the unsure footing over many areas of the trail. The description on the website does not prepare you for that. There were lots of rocks. They ranged in size from ones that hurt when you stepped on them to ones that could knock you down if you didn't see them in time. You had to spend a fair bit of time just watching where you stepped. Finally, while the organization of the event was good, the head guy (Eric?) was really cranky. When faced with a routine question like, 'When and where are you going to hold the mandatory pre-race meeting?," his response was short and might just as well have ended with "dumbass." Incidentally, his answer also didn't agree with the instructions posted on the web. I should say that all the other individuals associated with these races were very nice.

It may not be the fastest course you'll ever run, but it is the best course you'll ever run.

Express half.... Director had to reorganize (at the last minute) the start because of unexpected snow and ice. All was done smoothly (at least for this runner). Everyone was friendly. The course was beautiful. This is a "must do/don't wanna miss it" kind of run!

First race I have run since being diagnosed with stage 4 cancer three years ago. After two major surgeries and a year of ass-kicking chemo, it was great to race again. The course was just what the doc. had ordered. Not only beautiful but comforting. Even though I only ran the half, it was great to start a come back. I will without a doubt be back next year.

I was in excellent condition for my age - 58 (ran 20 miler at 6:45 pace in August) and led the early bird race from 8-19 miles. At that point, the altitude caught up with me - no previous symptoms - but heart racing and legs hurting from the 5-6 mile downhill from 13-19. I dragged home from there and finished 4th in the early bird race, 32nd after 9 a.m. group finished. Was ready to run 3:13 or so.
Course beautiful, but cold weather made gatorade and water into slush, not great. Would recommend altitude supplements for sea level folk like me and taking it very easy on first set of downhills from 13-19 miles. Then see what you have left from 20 on, which also has downhill sections. Glad I did it.

A big Thank You to Eric and the rest of the organizers for all their hard work.

This was my first marathon and I really enjoyed it. The location was beautiful, all the aid stations were well stocked and people were very friendly and supportive. Great vibe overall.

This is the most beautiful race I have ever run. I hope to complete it again and again. Practically flat or downhill with an excellent dirt track. Well worth the travel to get there from Texas! Hope they expand to 50k!

I had a blast. Did the early bird edition. Great fun. Lots of porto toilets at the start and comfy buses. And, real food at the aid stations

Let me start by saying I would run this course again in a second because of the beauty, and frequency and quality of drinks, snacks, etc. However, I registered for the wrong day and my attempts to contact the race director (Eric) were ignored. When I arrived from Seattle and explained what happened, he told me I couldn't run, and that I would just have to forfeit my money and fly home. He changed his tune after checking his e-mail and seeing my pleas for help, but the next morning they had forgotten about me and again told me "no room on the bus." They took my number, and I eventually got on a bus, but my number was never returned. I ran the beautiful race, and was scolded by another RD as I crossed the finish line for not wearing my number. I sent a complaint letter in the form of a poem, and tried to be lighthearted about it, but never received a reply.

I understand that organizing something like this is stressful, but no excuse for treating people like they don't matter.