Trail running event
running event

Bizz Debuts in 2004 with Huge Field		   Bizz Johnson Trail
Just one of the twelve bridges you'll cross.

The course really is Bizz's main attraction. Following the route of a Southern Pacific line that was converted in the 1980s under the Rails to Trails program, it traverses at least three distinct ecosystems: swooping through pine forests, crossing the Susan River on rustic wooden bridges, and winding through a beautiful rock canyon with spooky tunnels. The air is crystal clear, and road-marathon distractions are absent. If you look both ways at Bizz, it won't be for cars but for the fall foliage, which this year was stunning.

Michael Fretz, running his second marathon, pulled away at 24 miles to win in 2:45:34, followed by Matthew Debski (2:46:51). Denver's Heidi Schuette was first woman in 3:15:41.

A former jockey who now works as a Reno deputy sheriff, Fretz won 65 races at 112 lbs when he was riding, but he's since bulked-up to a studly 122 for the marathon. Fretz said, "It was beautiful today, the miles just seemed to be clipping along."

Runner-up Debski agreed. A Silicon Valley software engineer and veteran of Boston, San Francisco, Chicago, and Cape Cod, he praised the course: "Once I hit the crest at 7 miles, it was a free ride, just a complete easy coast downhill."


Location:
Westwood-Susanville, CA
Lassen National Forest
Date:
Sun. Oct. 12, 2008
Start 9:00 AM
Entry Fees:
(Includes finisher t-shirts & medal. Awards to first three in 5 year age groups.)
Note:
Register online via Active.com. Entry fees are non-refundable and non-transferable.

Course Map   Profile

FAQ   Fastest in West

Most marathoners trying to qualify for Boston wouldn't think to visit Susanville, California, a small town in the remote reaches of Lassen County.

But hundreds did - for a first-time marathon called the Bizz Johnson Trail Marathon.

What was the attraction? A certified, gorgeous, wickedly fast trail marathon with 1100 feet of overall elevation loss, and a groomed surface that's faceplant-free and easy on the knees. Though you might not expect a Boston qualifier so far out in the sticks, "The Bizz" is one of only three trail 26.2-milers in U.S.A. that make the grade.

With 268 marathoners from 34 states and several countries, plus 200 in the half and a tad over 40 in the 10K and 5K, the 2004 Bizz Johnson Marathon enjoyed a rocking success for a first-time trail race.

The Bizz even drew a pair of elites for whom qualifying is hardly an issue. Chris Zieman, the top US finisher at Boston in 2004, finished third in 2:51:03. Chris spent the race yakking with six-time Western States 100 winner and course record holder Scott Jurek, who was sixth in 2:56:44. They were an interesting pair: the close-cropped Zieman with his classic 5'2" marathoner's frame, matching strides with Jurek, the quintessential trailie at 6'2" and ripped, his shoulder-length ponytail flowing in the wind.

 
  The Bizz Johnson Trail
The trail is perfect for a fast, safe, and beautiful run.

Zieman was even more effusive. "Oh my God, it's fast," he said. "It's an absolutely incredible course. Scott and I ran 21 miles together, chitchatting and clicking off the miles. If someone came out here to really race, they could comfortably come under 2:30 on this course. After 21, I picked it up for training purposes and was putting down 5:39-5:40 miles easily, not really trying. There aren't too many other courses, dirt or road, that I've run that feel this fast. With the gravel, the trail, and the scenery, it just feels effortless."

Race Director Eric Gould had high praise for Scott Jurek, who was the keynote speaker at a dinner the night before the race "He stayed around until the very last runner crossed the line, talking to the finishers and posing for countless photos with the runners. He was gracious, encouraging, and looked like he was having the best time of his life. Scott Jurek is just awesome: he's a true evangelist for the sport."

Jurek said, "Running under three hours, after what I've already done this year, I'm pretty happy. Chris and I were having a good time, and it didn't feel like we were running sub-7 pace at all. I'm used to lots of technical stuff and plenty of climbing, and this is the fastest course I've run all Year; it's like a trail race in terms of the impact on your body, but it runs like a fast road race."

Last-place finisher Sharlene Wills deserves special mention. Sharlene got a warm welcome when she arrived in Susanville in 7:34 and collected her finisher's medal, accompanied by her friend and pacer Mark Davis.

Sharlene, who runs in the 55-59 age group, is blind.

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