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Apr 28, 2024

Bizz Johnson Trail Marathon Runner Comments

Back to Bizz Johnson Trail Marathon Information & Reviews

Course 4.7

Organization 4.1

Spectators 3.0

Number of comments: 103 [displaying comments 51 to 61]

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G. B. from Idaho (10/13/2007) ".Good first-marathon experience." (about: 2007) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Bizz Johnson Trail Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 This was my first marathon, so I don't have a lot to compare. The scenery was pretty, but very monotonous for the first 18 miles. I must say that at very few points did I feel like I was running down in elevation at all, so if you are just starting marathons and want an "easy" marathon, I am not sure this marathon, at this elevation, would be considered "easy." The other marathoners were very supportive, and enthusiastic. Eric was very encouraging at the start of the race, and provided us with relaxing pre-race humor. There was a gentleman at the registration pick-up that was quite rude, and simply did not have time to answer questions. I did notice later that when an experienced-looking runner asked him questions, he was more responsive. I do not believe that this was Eric, the race coordinator. There were a couple of stations that had run out of gel by the time I got there, and I was about middle of the 2nd start pack. Overall it was a good experience for me. Not a lot of fluff or fanfare after the race. Pretty much take your medal and leave. They were out of water at the finish line within 10 minutes after I finished. The marathon is young, and I am sure will continue to become better organized.
A. R. from Upstate NY (10/13/2007) "spectacular scenery wonderful organization" (about: 2007) 3 previous marathons \| 1 Bizz Johnson Trail Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I have to admit that the elevation was a bit tough for me, coming directly from sea level. But the race course is spectacularly beautiful, the aid stations were incredibly well stocked, even for the 7:30 a.m. start time, and the other runners were super friendly. Because of the remote setting, spectators were very few and far between, but those few were very supportive and certainly helped keep me going in those last few miles. Thanks!
C. H. from Camarillo, California (10/13/2007) "little access for spectators but great aid station" (about: 2007) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Bizz Johnson Trail Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 The organizers did a terrific job of organizing two half marathons, a marathon, a 10K and a 5K all in one weekend! The race course for the marathon was beautiful trail. The aid stations had a wide variety of goodies to choose from and the volunteers were cheerful despite the cold. I had initially worried about the logistics of the marathon going from 300 to 700 runners. The early start provided options for everyone.
R. K. from USA (10/13/2007) "Horrible race director, but race has potential" (about: 2007) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Bizz Johnson Trail Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 1 FANS: 1 This was the first time for me and my wife at this event and we were largely unimpressed by the organization and utterly disgusted at the behavior of the race director, Eric Gould. My wife and I have been competing for over 20 years in events ranging from small local affairs to world class races such as the Ironman, Boston Marathon and Sao Silvestre. We have also been part of the organization in hundreds of races both large and small. It is one thing to have a few problems - that cannot be avoided. It is another to make conscious decisions that show absolutely no respect for the participants. Mr. Gould falls into the latter category. When we attempted to pick up our race packet (nothing more than a bib number), we were told to produce a photo ID or else we'd get no bib number. Even though this tidbit was never part of the pre-race information, this made no difference to Mr. Gould. Many runners were sent back to their hotels, often an hour an half away in Reno, to get an ID. On race morning, for some inexplicable reason, Mr. Gould delayed the departure of all of the buses for over 30 minutes (not just a few buses, but all of them). Even though the pre-race information stated the buses would begin to leave promptly at 7:15, this made no difference to Mr. Gould. We arrived at the start line just 30 minutes before the start of the race. For many of us, this is not nearly enough time to wait for a porta-john, warm up in 35-degree weather, stretch, and be ready to go. For me, this decision ruined any chance I had of running a decent time. At the start line Mr. Gould announced that all the gear bags would be taken to the depot, which is over a mile away from the finish. He followed this announcement with the comment, "And no whining! That's where they will be." Even though this made absolutely no sense, one began to see a pattern to Mr. Gould's behavior and decision-making. Yet the gear bags never arrived at the depot. In fact they never arrived at the finish line either, until almost 4 hours after the start. And then there were no race officials to unload the bags. All of the bags were unloaded and organized by runners who had finished, were beginning to cramp up and get cold and needed their gear. All the while Mr. Gould watched this and never attempted to help. When asked why it had taken so long for these to arrive, Mr. Gould answered, "Things happen." The unique belt buckles that had been awarded to the finishers in prior years had been replaced by, yes, cheesy medallions on a blue ribbon. But it gets better. The backs of the medallions are inscribed with Mr. Gould's name along with an advertisement promoting one of Mr. Gould's upcoming races! (Yes, fellow runners, this is absolutely true.) There were a number of other issues which have already been posted here (inaccurate finish times, frozen aid stations, no water at the start, unlit and potentially dangerous tunnels, no response to emails, disrespectful responses to emails, etc.). Yet what is most troubling was Mr. Gould's complete disregard for the information and guidelines that had been published along with the seemly endless decisions that were at best arbitrary and capricious. Mr. Gould has displayed a lack of respect that I have never witnessed before - ever. Yet he is unconcerned that all of us have been training for 6, 8 or even 12 months, invested a great deal of money and time off to travel there and have put their hearts and souls into their efforts. I would encourage everyone who had a similar experience to formalize their concerns to the City of Susanville and the directors of the Lassen Land and Trails Trust. This race has the potential to be a wonderful marathon and a signature event for Susanville, but it will eventually sputter and disappear as long as Mr. Gould has any involvement.
S. W. from Juneau, AK (10/12/2007) "Fun time in N. California" (about: 2007) 2 previous marathons \| 1 Bizz Johnson Trail Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 2 A group of us from Juneau, AK traveled to Reno/Susanville this fall to participate in the Bizz Johnson Trail Marathon/Half Marathon. We had a great time beginning with a Veterans of the Marine Corps breakfast for only $4 that we heard about on the radio while driving into town. The scenery on the run was phenomenal, which always helps to make those last few miles move along a little better. The RD was from out of out town (San Francisco) and that was evident in that the Community of Susanville didn't appear to be involved in the marathon preparations. We asked a few people around town if they knew that there were runners in town for a race and no one knew anything about it. My suggestion to the RD would be to get more community involvement in the race. Delegation can be very empowering. That being said, we had a great race and we appreciate the RD's efforts in putting together this trail marathon.
S. S. from Chicago, IL (10/12/2007) "It couldn't be any more scenic!" (about: 2007) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Bizz Johnson Trail Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 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!
J. S. from Columbia, MO (10/11/2007) "Beautiful, tough footing, cranky guy in charge" (about: 2007) 1 previous marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 1 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.
Jason Tuffs from Encinitas, CA (10/11/2007) "The best course you'll ever run!" (about: 2007) 11-50 previous marathons \| 2 Bizz Johnson Trail Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 It may not be the fastest course you'll ever run, but it is the best course you'll ever run.
d. m. from sierra madre, CA (10/11/2007) "an absolutley beautiful run!" (about: 2007) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Bizz Johnson Trail Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 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!
D. M. from Alturas, Calif. (10/11/2007) "It is great to be coming back." (about: 2007) 11-50 previous marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 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.

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