calendar icon May 14, 2024

Bizz Johnson Trail Marathon Runner Comments

Back to Bizz Johnson Trail Marathon Information & Reviews

Course Rating Course 4.7 
 
Oranization Rating Organization 4.1 
 
Spectator Rating Spectators 3.0 
 
 
Number of comments: 103 [displaying comments 81 to 91]
More Comments: [ < 1 .. 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 > ]

 

J. E. from Cayucos, CA (3/17/2007)
"Great run, but NOT FAST" (about: 2005)

4-5 previous marathons | 1 Bizz Johnson Trail Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 3  FANS: 4


This was probably the most pleasant experience I have had at a marathon. The course and surface are fantastic if you are ready to get off the pavement. It is advertised as a fast course, but I think due to the elevation, a few of my companions and I ran PWs (personal worst times). It is fast for a trail race, but not fast for a marathon. This, however, did not detract from the experience. It is a beautiful place to run.

I don't really expect spectators at trail races, so the fact that there were any at all is pretty cool.
 

K. L. from Colorado (11/11/2006)
"Good Course, But Very Disorganized" (about: 2006)

4-5 previous marathons | 1 Bizz Johnson Trail Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 1  FANS: 2


The Pros:
* Pretty course
* Gradual, downhill non-paved surface was easy on the joints
* Volunteers were friendly

The Cons:
* Moving the race start time one hour later, one week before the race. (This can cause travel headaches if you are on a tight schedule). The start time was changed again race morning.
* Not enough space on the bus (people had to stand for the hour-long bus ride).
* Lack of food at the finish.
* Toilets only at mile 14.
* No water at the start.
* Instead of giving a finisher's medal, a belt buckle with no year/date was given.
 

S. V. from Salt Lake City, UT (10/25/2006)
"Beautiful scenery--nice course" (about: 2006)

3 previous marathons | 1 Bizz Johnson Trail Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 4  FANS: 3


You can't beat the scenery, dry climate, and nice soft running surface. The aid stations were the most well-stocked I have seen for a race, particularly for the slower runners (they are usually running low or out by the time I get there) and were spaced the perfect distance apart. Volunteers were fabulous and spectators were great for a trail run (you don't expect to see anyone).

Two negatives: I was a bit disappointed with the post-race food--it was the same as found at the 12 aid stations. My body was craving something a little different. The other disappointment is that the finishers 'medal' was actually a western belt buckle that did not even have the year on it. Half marathoners got a medal. No fair!!
 

J. F. from Medford, OR (10/15/2006)
"The view made the race an easy and enjoyable run." (about: 2006)

First Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 3  FANS: 4


I will do this again. The view was spectacular. The miles seemed to fly by. I expected to finish with a faster time, but maybe the altitude played a factor. I would have liked to see an outhouse along the way. A runner with a nervous gut deserves more than a tree. I recommend the express half-marathon to everyone.
 

Brian Gruenemay from Laguna Niguel, CA (10/13/2006)
"No Adjustment Needed" (about: 2006)

3 previous marathons | 1 Bizz Johnson Trail Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 4


The course was great. The road was exactly what was to be expected, though seemed harder than expected. The two dark tunnels were tough to adjust to (i.e. running from dark to light toward the end of 26.2 miles!). I will go back next year!
 

D. S. from Atlanta, GA (10/10/2006)
"Wonderful Race" (about: 2006)

4-5 previous marathons | 1 Bizz Johnson Trail Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 2


I ran the express 1/2 marathon. It could not have been a more beautiful run. Even though the event was somewhat low-key (only about 100 runners), it was extremely well organized. This was easily the best race I have ever participated in (out of a few dozen). My three companions who ran the race as well would all agree.

I will likely make the trip all the way from Georgia again next year.
 

M. B. from Aptos, CA (10/10/2006)
"Scenic - Altitude a Factor" (about: 2006)

6-10 previous marathons | 1 Bizz Johnson Trail Marathon
COURSE: 3  ORGANIZATION: 3  FANS: 1


If you are looking to set a PR, go elsewhere. See results for justification.
 

G. W. from Michigan, USA (10/10/2006)
"Scenic - but disorganized" (about: 2006)

2 previous marathons | 1 Bizz Johnson Trail Marathon
COURSE: 2  ORGANIZATION: 1  FANS: 1


Very scenic. Elevation should be noted as a factor. This is not that fast of a course - look at previous results to make your own call.
 

R. F. from NYC, NY (10/15/2005)
"Great race" (about: 2005)

4-5 previous marathons
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 1


I thoroughly enjoyed the run - beautiful course, well-organized, good support. In fact, everything was great, except for this one guy (who ran the ½ btw), who kept commenting on the foliage and the fact that he trained at sea-level.
 

R. K. from Michigan (10/14/2005)
"Beautiful, well-organized trail marathon! " (about: 2005)

4-5 previous marathons | 1 Bizz Johnson Trail Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 2


The course was very beautiful and the marathon well-organized. There were aid stations every 2 miles, as promised, with just about anything a runner would need. The pasta dinner the night before was well-worth doing but you can find other options in Susanville, which had more to offer than I expected. Ultra-runner Dean Karnazes, the pre-race speaker, was FANTASTIC. Although the trail was a little rockier in parts than I expected, the mostly flat/downhill course was nice. It was a bit chilly standing around for 30-40 minutes before the start so bring some warm clothing. (They'll provide drop bags for your stuff that you pick up at the Depot afterwards.) The weather in '05 was perfect. I would highly recommend this event!
 

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