No running novice, Bland completes 30th Marathon
Dr. Stephen Bland has run in every Los Angeles Marathon since it first started in 1986. He joined 176 other “legacy runners” who have been over the 26.2-mile course ever since the Los Angeles event began 30 years ago.
“I didn’t start running marathons until I was 45,” says the internist and rheumatologist who practices at Good Samaritan Hospital.
The Windsor Square resident has also competed in the Boston, New York, Chicago and San Francisco marathons.
This March he raced with his son Phillip, one of six children he and his wife June have raised.
“My best time was three hours and 10 minutes,” which he accomplished at the pre-L.A. Marathon, called the Western States marathon.
The doctor’s advice to those wishing to compete in a marathon: practice at least three months before and run a long 18 to 20 miles each week in addition to a daily run.
He practices on the hills of Griffith Park. “Running keeps me in shape, relieves tension and gives me time to think,” said the 82-year-old.
Category: People