Try running a mile in his shoes. Better yet, try running 2,620. 

On January 14th, 2024, Dr. Bryon Solberg crossed the finish line of the Carlsbad Marathon—his 100th marathon on foot. For most, that number alone is jaw-dropping. For Bryon, known affectionately in the CAF community as Dr. B, it represents decades of defying odds, reimagining what’s possible, and finding purpose through movement and service. 

Meet Dr. B 

A five-sport athlete in high school, Bryon’s passion for fitness continued well into his 30s as a runner, cyclist, and hiker. After earning his medical degree from UC San Diego, he built a successful career as an anesthesiologist. But in 1999, unexplained coordination problems and weakness in his hands led to a life-changing diagnosis: Bryon had been born without an odontoid, a small but critical bone that helps stabilize the top two vertebrae in the spine. Most people with this condition don’t survive infancy. Bryon was not only a rare survivor—he was 33. 

Two spinal surgeries followed, and with them, the devastating challenge of having to relearn how to walk—twice. The path forward was uncertain, and Bryon admits he struggled emotionally in those early years. 

Then came a turning point. 

A New Start with CAF 

In 2002, Bryon attended the Aspen Medical Products San Diego Triathlon Challenge (SDTC), an event hosted by the Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF). What he witnessed there changed everything. 

“There was so much going on. Athletes with no limbs, people racing in wheelchairs, running. The event blew my mind and changed my world,” said Bryon. 

Inspired and energized, he returned the next day to attempt the 13.1-mile run course. It took him over seven hours, using canes and braces—but it was the beginning of something extraordinary. 

CAF gave Bryon more than just a course map. It gave him direction. “What’s next?” replaced “Why me?” as his daily mantra. He vowed to stay active and healthy—not just for himself, but to be there for his two sons. That next year, he completed the full SDTC—and he hasn’t missed a single one since. 

From One Marathon to One Hundred 

Bryon’s first marathon on foot was the 2002 San Diego Marathon. He finished within the eight-hour time limit, but it was grueling. 

“A marathon has three parts,” he says. “The first 20 miles are about behaving yourself. The last .2 are supposed to be fun. The six in between can be a real beast.”

Since then, he’s logged 2,620 race miles across seven cities and countless memories. Some were solo efforts. Others were with friends. Most included his signature “crab hat”—originally a way for his family to spot him in the crowd, now a quirky symbol that fans and fellow racers recognize and love. 

He crossed the Carlsbad Marathon finish line in 2024 as part of CAF and Team Chocolate Milk, a team made up of everyone from elite athletes to weekend warriors. After 100 races, Bryon felt one thing above all: gratitude. 

“I definitely felt some relief as I approached the finish line. I was overwhelmed with emotions—gratitude for being alive, for being able to do this, and most of all, for the friends who’ve been along for the journey.” 

More Than Miles 

Beyond the finish lines, Bryon’s legacy is about giving back. He’s volunteered countless hours at CAF events and offered unwavering support to fellow athletes and newcomers alike. With his trademark smile, Dr. B shows up—not just as a competitor, but as a community builder. 

He even gives away many of his race medals to children in hospitals. “They’re especially excited by the Rock ’n’ Roll and Disney ones,” he laughs.

A Message That Moves 

Bryon is a reminder that life’s toughest setbacks can become the start of something greater. 

“I don’t know if I’d still be alive. I don’t know if I’d want to be alive without the Challenged Athletes Foundation,” he shares. “You can get off the couch. You can do it too. Your health is worth it.” 

From finishing his first marathon with canes to inspiring thousands with his 100th, Dr. B’s story is one of courage, commitment, and community. 

Congratulations to our friend, supporter, and #TeamCAF athlete, Dr. B. Here’s to the next finish line—whatever shape it takes.