Mark first began running competitively in high school, where he ran for Liberty High School’s track and cross country teams. After four years and earning the title of “Cross Country Most Valuable Runner” in his senior year, Mark decided to hang up the running shoes while attending the University of Maryland. He resumed his training in the Fall of 2008 to prepare for his first marathon.

In 2009, he earned the Howard County Strider’s Most Improved Runner Award and he continues to steadily progress to this day. His long term goals include running a sub-1:08 half marathon and sub-2:27 marathon.