First Bauman runs, then he helps run Crim


Mark Bauman has run and volunteered in every race. After he is finished with his race, Bauman has helped at the finish line. He also has served as a trainer for the Crim.

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``I teach them to enjoy running and make it a lifelong thing,'' said Bauman.

Bauman, who owns Bauman's Running Center on W. Hill Road and is active in the Riverbend Striders, began running as a 17-year-old junior at Ainsworth High School. He ran cross country and track there for two years. After high school, Bauman continued his running career at Mott Community College, where he ran both track and cross country.

After graduating from MCC in 1970, Bauman went to Murray State University in Murray, Ky., where he participated in both sports from 1970-72.

Bauman's most memorable moment in the Crim came when he shared the stage with world-class runner Bill Rodgers.

``They gave out medals to the top 10 percent in each division,'' said Bauman. ``To be on the stage with him was quite a thrill.''

The 1996 race provided another special thrill for Bauman. His son Brent, then 16, ran in the Crim for the first time.

According to Bauman, the two things that keep bringing him back year after year are being around all the runners at the start of the day and running down Saginaw Street at the finish.

``It's a special event,'' said Bauman. ``It's the thing to do.''

Bauman, a runner since high school, began selling running shoes out of the trunk of his car. Back then there was no local supplier of good running shoes, he said. It became his vocation. Bauman's Running & Walking Center is a runner's clearinghouse with everything from clothes and shoes to applications for upcoming races and good advice.