Tales on Barr Trail: The Heart of the Matter

Mary Yang 

Pikes Peak Marathon

Smiling Bryan: The Runner Who Beat a Widow Maker and Ran Back into Life

After surviving one of the deadliest heart attacks, Bryan Willis didn’t just recover—he laced up, hit the mountain trails, and proved that every step forward is a gift.

Bryan Willis, a Colorado Springs runner and 12-time Pikes Peak Ascent finisher, carries with him a message we can all learn from: believe in yourself.

Throughout his life, Bryan has faced obstacles that would stop many in their tracks. One of his greatest challenges came in the form of a heart attack—an event that could have ended not only his running but his spirit. Instead, it became a defining moment that revealed his strength, resilience, and unshakable optimism.
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Bryan’s journey is a reminder that setbacks don’t have to define us. His determination to keep moving forward, both on the mountain and in life, shows the incredible power of self-belief. 

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Roots in the Outdoors

Bryan Willis didn’t start out as a trail runner, but he’s always been at home outside. Growing up in Tennessee, he spent his youth fishing, biking, and exploring the land. One favorite memory involves a day fishing with his sister—riding bikes home with bluegill strung along the handlebars until they collided and sent fish flying everywhere.
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The outdoors became a deeper part of him when he and his stepfather built a homestead on 14 acres of land. That land still remains in the family, a legacy that will be passed through generations.

Finding the Incline 
In 1978, Bryan enlisted in the Army and eventually settled in Colorado Springs where he started a family. Two decades later, in 1999, his cousin invited him and his daughter, Tiffani, to hike the infamous Manitou Incline. That first attempt left him sore for three days and lagging behind while his cousin teased, “C’mon, old man!”


But the challenge hooked him. Weekly hikes turned into a daily routine, and his stamina soared.  It wasn’t long before his cousin couldn’t keep up with him.  Eventually, his cousin stopped coming and Bryan found a bit of good humor in that.  Byran and his daughter, Tiffani, also recall going up the incline in the snow making fresh steps.  It was of no surprise to Tiffani that her dad began making snow angels at the top.

Flyin’ Bryan Takes Flight
With time, Bryan’s pace became legendary. His longest daily Incline streak stretched over four months, and he shaved nearly 40 minutes off his first time—eventually hitting a blazing 21:04.
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In 2000, he joined the Incline Running Club. By his early 40s, he had fallen in love with mountain running, completing the Pikes Peak Ascent multiple times, including a personal best of 2:58:12. His fun-loving spirit and habit of heckling friends while encouraging strangers earned him the nickname “Flyin’ Bryan.”

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Setbacks and Cherry Garcia
Eventually surgeries on his foot and back forced Bryan to step away from running. Recovery meant less movement—and more ice cream, specifically Cherry Garcia. It was a sweet comfort, but it came at a cost to his health.

The Widow Maker Strikes
​On July 12, 2023, Bryan suffered a widow maker heart attack—a cardiac event so deadly that only a small percentage survive. Against the odds, he did.

Running with a Defibrillator
Bryan’s cardiologist would discharge him under one condition: he had to wear a defibrillator vest 24/7. Cardiac rehab filled his Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. On the other days, he ran trails in Section 16, balancing the vest’s heavy battery with a large water bottle on the opposite side.
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Once, his heart rate spiked so high the vest issued a loud warning: “Electric shock possible, do not touch the patient.” Bryan managed to disengage it before the jolt came. People who recognized the vest were amazed to see him running in it.
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The Call at 10 p.m.
Months later, his doctor called late one night with the news: Bryan no longer needed the vest. He wishes he’d saved that voicemail, but he carries the memory—and the patient card explaining the vest—wherever he goes. It is a reminder of just how precious life can be.

Smiling Bryan Lives On
His daughter, Tiffani, has been there through it all. She and her children cheer him on at races, proud of the man she calls humble, positive, and strong. The running community knows him now as “Smiling Bryan”—a survivor, a mountain runner, and a reminder that every climb is worth it.

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