'Runner' Wins the Inspiration Prize, Hands Down
The small knot of people gathered at the corner of Figueroa and 6th streets Saturday morning were more than a few hours early for the beginning of the Los Angeles Marathon. The streets had yet to be closed; the traffic hadn't even been diverted. But as a long, sustained air horn sounded, one participant took his mark and took off.
His special send-off reflected his special circumstances: He is a marathoner without legs, without a wheelchair, who will go 26.2 miles on his arms.
Bob Wieland, 57, whose legs were blown off in Vietnam, uses what he calls "hand shoes" -- gel-pads with handles -- to swing his torso down the course. They'll protect his hands from the concrete and asphalt streets. It may take him as many as four days to complete the course.
Wieland, an Arcadia resident, has been participating in distance events -- including marathons, iron man triathlons and even a walk across America -- for more than 20 years, always using his hands to propel himself through the course.
He last completed the Los Angeles Marathon in the late 1980s and decided to participate this year in part to show support for U.S. troops abroad.
As always, fierce upper-body strength, a team of motivated supporters and a bit of humor will guide him.
While two masseuses, one on each arm, helped him stretch his trapezoid and deltoid muscles before the course, Wieland posed for television cameras and joked with marathon President William A. Burke. "We're going to set the early pace," Wieland quipped.
"I just don't want you to embarrass anybody," Burke bantered back. And then he held the air horn in the air. At precisely 10:05, a traffic light turned green and Wieland crossed 6th, beginning his trek.
He will have to obey all traffic laws for most of his journey, remaining on the sidewalks for most of his trip.
During today's race, he will navigate the course like any other participant.
" 'It is God that girdeth me with strength,' " he said, quoting Psalms. He is an ardent Christian and said his faith motivates him, both on the racecourse and off.
"We ask the Lord to guide and direct our steps," he said before starting.
With his heart-rate monitor chirping -- he prefers to stay between 139 and 145 beats per minute -- Wieland barked out orders to an entourage that included two masseuses, several cheerleaders and a videographer.
- The Los Angeles Marathon: More than just a run Mar 19, 2006
- A Test of Endurance Mar 01, 2003
- LOS ANGELES COUNTY Nov 29, 1988
