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Bob Wieland

b. 1946

American athlete and Vietnam War veteran

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About Bob Wieland

Born 1946. Bob Wieland is an American military personnel, known for Marathon and Wheelchair.

Bob Wieland is a Vietnam War veteran who lost his legs to a mortar mine in 1969. After recovering from his injuries he was inspired to become a marathon participant. Over his lifetime he has finished many marathons, often taking multiple days to finish. He is the only double amputee to finish the difficult Kona, Hawaii Ironman race without a wheelchair. He "ran" across America on his hands, taking three years, eight months, and six days to travel from coast to coast.

Wieland likes to say of that day, "My legs went one direction, my life another."

Marathons In November 1986 he completed the New York City Marathon, taking four days to complete the race. He "ran" across America on his hands, taking three years, eight months, and six days to travel from coast to coast and raise money for Vietnam war veterans. In 1988 at 41, he finished the Los Angeles Marathon, taking 74.5 hours to finish the race. He started the race a day earlier than everyone else and finished two days after the last runner had crossed the finish line.

Wieland was a guest on 100 Huntley Street.

On August 23, 2012, Wieland announced his plans for the Celebrate America Tour starting in January 2013. Over the next 5 years, his plans are to visit all 50 States in the US, extending a challenge to do a measure more and inspire others. He will be speaking at conventions, corporate meetings, military bases, universities, high schools and churches.

Actor

In the 1988–1990 TV series Sonny Spoon, Wieland played the character of Johnny Skates.

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Important facts

Born
1946, Greenfield
Birth century
Occupation
Nationality
Known for
Marathon, Wheelchair
Education
University of Wisconsin–Madison, California State University, Los Angeles, University of Wisconsin

Contemporaries

People whose lives overlapped Bob Wieland's

Frequently asked questions

Who is Bob Wieland?

American athlete and Vietnam War veteran

When was Bob Wieland born?

Bob Wieland was born in 1946 in Greenfield.

What is Bob Wieland's occupation?

Bob Wieland is a military personnel.

What is Bob Wieland known for?

Bob Wieland is known for Marathon and Wheelchair.

What nationality is Bob Wieland?

Bob Wieland is American.

Sources & further reading

· Wikipedia: Bob Wieland

· Wikidata: Q4934383

· DBpedia: Bob Wieland

Cite this page

APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Bob Wieland. https://biography.guide/bob-wieland/

MLA: "Bob Wieland." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/bob-wieland/.

Chicago: "Bob Wieland." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/bob-wieland/.

Data last updated: 2026-09-21 · Spot an error? Report a correction.

Portrait: Wikimedia Commons · author & licence

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