Featured Club Member: Dr. Bryon Solberg, M.D.

Dr. Bryon Solberg, M.D.

Hometown: San Diego, CA

MM: 12350

HF: 18903

DA: 3819

Spinal Cord Injury Survivor/Thriver.

Dad, Eagle Scout/Scouter, Marathoner,

Volunteer, Doctor. 50 States Of Marathons.

Q: You definitely are noticeable out on the race course.

A:  Yes…there are not a lot of us using a cane and leg braces out on course. I had an upper spinal cord injury 25 years ago, and I relearned to walk after both of my high risk spinal surgeries. I am an incomplete quadriplegic. 

Q: What are some highlights of your endurance events history?

A: Finishing a marathon in all 50 U.S. States on foot was very challenging, especially with the travel and logistics involved. 

I have 22 WMM Medals, including 11 Boston Marathon finishes as a Para Athlete Qualifier.

I have done 8 ultra marathons from 50K to 163 miles: these really tire me out!!

Q: You qualified your 50 States of Marathons as “on foot.” How else can one do a marathon?

A: I am fortunate to have done marathons four ways: able bodied athlete (before my spinal cord injury),

pushrim wheelchair, handcycle wheelchair, and Ambulatory Challenged/Para Athlete. 

I am exploring using a running frame now, as I am getting weaker with the neuropathies and deformities many years post spinal cord injury. 

Q: Is there a message you would like to share with the endurance sports community?

A: I am so incredibly grateful to so many who support Challenged Athletes including: athletes with their kindness and understanding on course; friends/Support Runners who train and do events with me; The Mainly Marathons Family who help everybody work towards their dreams with kindness, friendship, and support. 

Q: What is your next goal?

A: I hope to do a Half Marathon now in all 50 States. I was at 3 States 6 months ago, and now I am at 23 States. I will try to keep on going.  https://www.instagram.com/dr.bryon/

https://db.marathonmaniacs.com/Maniacs/MyRaces/12350

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