Tales from Barr Trail - A Look Back at the Arkansas Pikes Peak Marathon Society

Bill Coffelt

Arkansas Pikes Peak Marathon Society member and 53 time finisher of Pikes Peak

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​Arkansas Pikes Peak Marathon Society

Fred Barr who was born in Arkansas, completed his burro trail to the summit of Pikes Peak in 1921. It seems only appropriate that 868 Arkansans have reached the summit competing in the Pikes Peak Ascent and Marathon. Max Hooper started all this adventure in 1979 on his first run up and down Pikes Peak. He recruited new Arkansas runners to join him on the trek each year. My Pikes Peak odyssey began when I filled in for an injured friend and ran the 1984 Pikes Peak Marathon. It was on the van ride home that the Arkansas Pikes Peak Marathon Society was born. Ken Ropp masterminded a recruitment system that swelled to as many as 156 Arkansas finishers in 1993. Three charter buses, team T-shirts, caps, gloves, and someone always carrying the Arkansas flag to the top. It was all about the comradery. The recruitment chain just kept expanding.

We’ve had every corner of the State represented; 85 hometowns in all. Some ran once and never returned. Others brought family and friends the next year. We’ve had marriage ceremonies on the summit, Brothers, Sisters, Father and Son, Sweet 16 Birthday parties on the bus ride out. The Silver Saddle Motel has been home base in Manitou Springs for the Society from the very beginning.

​We’ve had our share of award winners over the years. Eddie Mulkey holds the record for fastest Arkansan with a 4:12:02 back in 1987. It was good enough for 6th place overall. Pat Torvestad was Arkansas’ first woman to complete the Marathon in 1985. The Arkansas women’s record is held by Ann Smith who ran 5:41:23 in 1987. Only 8 Arkansans have ever run under 5 hours for the Marathon. Our overall numbers have decreased over the years, but we keep coming back. Blizzards, sleet, lightning and course closures will not deter us. We love this mountain and love this race!

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We’ve had our share of award winners over the years. Eddie Mulkey holds the record for fastest Arkansan with a 4:12:02 back in 1987. It was good enough for 6th place overall. Pat Torvestad was Arkansas’ first woman to complete the Marathon in 1985. The Arkansas women’s record is held by Ann Smith who ran 5:41:23 in 1987. Only 8 Arkansans have ever run under 5 hours for the Marathon. Our overall numbers have decreased over the years, but we keep coming back. Blizzards, sleet, lightning and course closures will not deter us. We love this mountain and love this race!