We've all heard that "it's all downhill from here"; at Bizz, except for two hills that are actually fun after all the downhill, it's actually true, from the start. I loved the fall colors and the trail away from traffic; the other runners were friendly, and the aid stations were consistently two miles apart. Fine staging, and transport. Consider, please, an early start, as in the past: it's HOT by midday. More buses at the finish would help. I'll do this one over and over again. Thanks.

I ran Bizz in the last two years. Last year the aid stations were better. The food at end of race this year was POOR. The quality of shirt was poor this year compared to last year too. The train medal were so-so. I love the course, but new organization cut a lot of corners to save money, I guess. This was one of my favorite marathons but not anymore.

This is a great course to run; the only downside is that it is at a very high altitude. It starts at 5300', goes up to 5600' and then ends at 4200'. If you are going to run this marathon, make sure you train at as close to that altitude as possible. I did not do that and that was a big mistake on my part.

I would definitely recommend this marathon for anyone who is looking for something different. It is advertised as a downhill marathon, and it is MOSTLY downhill, but the first seven miles are at a gradual uphill, which can be a killer if you are not prepared for the altitude. I ended up having to speed-walk most of the marathon because I was not prepared. You've got to have oxygen to run. :) I was still able to finish the race, but it took me 6:45 - a very long time to be out speed-walking.

I'm not sure if I will run this race again, not only because of the altitude, but because it is a seven-and-a-half-hour drive from my home. I DID enjoy it a lot, but it was a difficult trip home for me.

The marathon is VERY small - only 360 finished - so it's perfect for a first-time marathoner. The course is certified as a Boston qualifier, and quite a few have qualified running it.

The race this year was sponsored by a different organization from in the past, Pacific Coast Trail Runs, and I was very pleased with their work. They were very friendly and helpful, as well as organized.

This marathon is run on an old railroad bed that has had the rails removed and the area graded. It is a beautiful area to run in - the Lassen National Forest. It starts in Westwood and ends in Susanville, California.

The race is easy on the body since it is run on trails and not pavement. Since it is a trail run, you do not have spectators on the course except for the volunteers at the aid stations, and at the finish line.

I chose this marathon because of the gorgeous trail course, which it delivered splendidly. I also chose it because it was advertised as "fast." Well, not exactly. 1) The first part of the course is at 5,600 feet, which means your effort is much harder than usual, if you live at sea level with all of the abundant oxygen there. 2) The "downhill" is so gradual that it actual feels flat (but the "uphill" is also quite gradual). 3) Gravel/dirt trail isn't a fast surface to run on. As a result, I didn't get the PR I was hoping for, but instead ran it 30 minutes slower. The upside is that the weather went from the 40's to the low 70's quite fast. The intimacy of this small race, organized by real runners, and the intimacy of the field make it a great experience... unlike the mega monster marathons of 15,000+. I only gave spectators one star because there were only about 12 of them (but those few were GREAT!) because no cars are allowed on the trail. Organization got only four stars for little things, like not being able to hear announcements through one bullhorn, not enough lamps/light in the tunnel (trip hazard), and making you walk UPHILL after the race to fetch your gear bag. The course only got four stars because it's advertised as "fast" when it really isn't. I think the gorgeous old train route trail should be enough spin to get folks up there.

This had to have been one of the most beautiful marathon courses I have run. It was my first trail marathon, and the friendly support at the aid stations was most appreciated. I would recommend this race to others, although I would tell other sea-level types like me to be prepared for the elevation.

The race director put on a very well organized event - no complaints!

I ran the half-marathon, not the full. Overall I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. The course was beautiful and well maintained, the volunteers at the aid stations were great and enthusiastic and, although it was a little too cold for my taste, the weather was sunny and beautiful. A shout-out thanks to the gentleman who let me hang onto his shirt as we ran through the last verrrry long, dark tunnel so I wouldn't trip and fall. I think every race has its pros and cons. Overall I enjoyed it and have already signed up for next year's half.

My only minor complaints were: there should have been more port-a-potties at the beginning of the race and there should have been volunteers keeping the end of the course open. Runners and friends had to walk back over the end of the course in order to get back to the train depot and they didn't make much effort to keep out of the way of those of us coming into the final leg of the race. It was frustrating having to dodge them to get to the end of the race. That should be corrected (hopefully) next year. Also, after running so far and being cold, tired, sweaty and hungry, it was a letdown to have to walk that last almost mile to get back to the train depot. There should have been some kind of shuttle system to get everyone back to the depot.

Also, to all of you who whined about Eric; would you rather have a director who was super friendly but ran a poorly organized race or a RD who maybe was a little short with everyone but overall ran a very well organized and fun race? Both before and after the race he answered all of my emails in a very friendly manner. I think he had to wear more hats than anyone realized and he was just being very focused to be sure everything ran smoothly. Give him a break!

Great race and I look forward to next year and encourage everyone, if you love the outdoors, to plan on coming next year too!

I loved this race. The support was great, from the numerous aid stations, to the buses, to the t-shirts. The small number of participants made it seem almost intimate, as you were able to talk with other runners. The trail is simply gorgeous.

I was pleasantly surprised when my friend said I *MUST* run this trail marathon in Susanville - "A what in where?" I was not disappointed.

It's a bit off the beaten path, and you're rewarded with a beautiful course with aid stations every two miles. I was trying to describe it, and found it was like running 13 two-mile races instead of one marathon. As such, it was very easy to stay on pace.

The aid stations were staffed by friendly folks, welcoming front-runners and back-of-the-packers alike with cheer.

Being an old railroad line, it's all a gentle 2-percent grade either up or down (with a little hiccup at mile 20, but you're rewarded there with an aid station). So, don't expect any quad busters on this course. Moreover, the gravel trail was extremely forgiving, though a little slower than a road run. By the time you hit the last couple of bridges and tunnels, you're almost there.

If you've been to an ultra-marathon, you'll find the same supportive crowd at this race. It's a refreshing change from the overcrowded and bustling big-city races.

The race was great, and runner support was fantastic, with aid stations every 2 miles. The scenery was breathtaking, as was the temperature (a brisk 22 at the start!!). I had a lot of spiritual moments while running and viewing the amazing scenery and beauty of God's creations. The miles just seemed to drop, like at no other race I've done. My only surprise was that, as I looked at the hill profile, I expected a steeper downhill over the last 6 miles, but it seemed relatively flat.

Loved us all singing our national anthem together at the start; it was moving, and felt very patriotic! Great job! Worth the drive, and I hear they ordered heat lamps for next year! : )

Beautiful, peaceful trail through pine forest, meadows, and gorges. Not as fast as the profile would indicate, with the dirt and altitude, but a great race.