[KHTS] – The 29th annual L.A. Marathon was held Sunday, and Don Vulich, 62, of Valencia, has completed all 29 of them.

Vulich is part of a select group of individuals, called the ASICS LA Marathon Legacy Runners, that can boast of completing every LA Marathon held since the race began in 1986, according to the LA Marathon website. Out of the 7,581 runners who finished the first LA Marathon on Mar. 9, 1986, only 182 have managed to finish every race before today.

Don Vulich

Vulich said running is an important part of his life and he plans to continue his streak next year.

“I’ve always loved to run and I’ve been running for about 50 years,” Vulich said. “I’ve got a streak going and I don’t think I should stop, Im pretty sure I’ll be back out there next year. That’ll be my 30th year in a row.”

Vulich finished today’s race in approximately 5 hours and 40 minutes, but his best time came 25 years ago, finishing after 3 hours and 25 minutes.

Vulich said he has undergone several significant medical procedures, but has always made a quick recovery after surgery.

“I had a triple bypass heart surgery in 1999 and had both knees replaced in 2005,” Vulich said. “I didn’t run for about 2 months after the knee surgery and then I ran a marathon 3 months after that. After my heart surgery, I missed about 6 weeks, until they made sure I was in good enough shape to get back at it again.

Despite these momentary setbacks, Vulich continues to run and take enjoyment from an activity that some dread.

“Its my convoluted way of having fun.” Vulich said. “Some people struggle to run but I’ve always found a way to enjoy it.”

Don’s Wife, Cathy Vulich, said her husband has been always been involved with running and is in it for the love of the sport.

“He coached the Northridge Pacers and our kids ran in high school,” Cathy Vulich said. “He isn’t concerned with his times in these races and is out there because he loves doing it.”

– Dale Fairclough