Tales from Barr Trail ~ Stories from some of our Pikes Peak Pioneers

Written by ~ Pikes Peak Marathon & Ascent Runners

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Since 1956, runners of Pikes Peak Marathon & Ascent have been taking on the challenges of conquering America's Mountain. We have compiled many stories from the experiences and memories of our past runners. We hope you enjoy these stories from some of our Pikes Peak Pioneers.​

Bill Coffelt 

• 1984 - FIRST PIKES PEAK
• 12 - ASCENTS
• 36 - MARATHONS

​Favorite Pikes Peak memory?
My favorite memory has to be the “blizzard” Ascent in 2008.
I was never so cold and miserable but glad to finish. The
Marathon on Sunday was icy on top and I wished I’d brought
my Yak-Traks!

What keeps bringing you back to the Pikes Peak races?
I keep returning because I don’t want to break my streak.
How did Pikes Peak shape you into the runner you are today?
Pikes Peak opened up the world of Ultra-Running to me.
Without Pikes Peak there wouldn’t have been any Western
States, Leadville Trail 100, or Hard Rock 100.

How does it feel to be a pioneer of mountain running?
I really don’t feel like a pioneer trail runner. I just see myself
as an old guy that refuses to quit running!