Many people in Greater Flint know Mark as the founder of Bauman’s Running & Walking Shop, a business he operated in Mundy Township for over 40 years. At his popular shop, he offered not only running gear, but also a wealth of advice and encouragement to aspiring runners. He has fostered a sense of community among enthusiasts, finding fulfillment in helping people discover and continue the joy of running. In 2021, he stepped away from Bauman’s, but left the shop in good hands when he sold it to three longtime employees – for one dollar.
Mark’s love for running was sparked when his older brother suggested he try cross country as a junior at Ainsworth High School. After graduation, he studied at Mott Community College where his track coach encouraged him to run in the 1969 Boston Marathon – and the rest is history.
On April 15 of this year, Mark completed his world record-setting 55th consecutive race in Boston. In addition, he has run in every Detroit Free Press Marathon since its inception in 1978, every Volksläufe 20-kilometer race (Frankenmuth) and every Crim 10-mile – an event near and dear to him which he looks forward to running again this August.
A beloved fixture in the Flint area running and walking community for decades, Mark has been organizing and sponsoring races that have benefited thousands of people. In 2019, he was inducted into the Greater Flint Area Sports Hall of Fame and received the Mott Community College Distinguished Alumni Award. There is no doubt he will continue to mark milestones and make history in the sport he loves.
While much has been written about Mark Bauman and his running journey, My City had a few more questions for him that he graciously agreed to answer.
1. What’s something people would never guess about you?
I enjoy gardening and my reclining chair.
2. When you were a kid, what did you want to grow up to be?
I wanted to be a firefighter – because of the bright red truck, of course.
3. What is one of your biggest pet peeves?
It’s so annoying when Google assistant does not understand me and spell-correct puts in the wrong word!
4. Do you have a pre-marathon “ritual”?
Pre-race, I rest (do not run) for a couple of days. I also make sure I assemble everything I will need – the socks, shoes, shorts and top I plan to wear; gloves and a headband if I am lucky enough that the weather is cool. I take a hat or rain visor and sunglasses, my fanny pack for carrying 4-6 energy gels to consume during the race, and salt tablets if it’s going to be hot.
On April 15 of this year, Mark completed his world record-setting 55th consecutive Boston Marathon.
5. What is the biggest risk you ever took?
My biggest risk was when I decided to make my humble business a full-time job; but it’s a risk I’m very glad I took.
A beloved fixture in the Flint area running and walking community for decades, Mark has been organizing and sponsoring races that have benefited thousands of people.
6. What are you most excited about in your life right now?
I am enjoying retirement and having more time to travel and be with my family – I have a lot of grandkids!
7. Who is your hero?
I think I’m too old to have a hero; but I truly admire any runner who is still lacing up their shoes and hitting the road into their 90s. I hope to do the same!
