DETROIT, Mich. - Some former collegiate runners continue running as a hobby after they graduate. Some join run clubs or track jaunts through the park on Strava, but Andrew Bowman has only gotten more competitive since the bear logo left his jersey, making history with a record-breaking win in this year's Detroit Free Press Marathon.

Bowman, a former Oakland track star from 2014 to 2018, has carried his passion for running beyond the stadium.

"Running is something I know I'm good at. I'm in the upper echelon of ability, and I'm beyond grateful that I have the ability to continue at this level," said Bowman. "My reason for still doing these things comes from passion."

The former NCAA Championship qualifier didn't just win the Detroit Free Press Marathon; he shattered a 46-year-old event record. He beat the previous mark by nearly a minute, completing his third consecutive marathon victory with a time of 2:12:11. The previous record was 2:13:07, set in 1980.

A top competitor, Bowman has had the record in his sights for quite some time and finally broke the mark this season.

"I feel like breaking this record was three years in the making. I had a real shot at it last year… I talked to some people in the past year about it, and that accountability starts to weigh on you a bit," said Bowman. "You can think you have the fitness to go out and go for it, but actually going out there on the day requires more. I just try to compartmentalize and let things unfold."

Running has remained a passion for Bowman as his life grows and changes. His love for competing has never wavered and has even become a family affair. Bowman's wife, Sydney Devore-Bowman, is also a former collegiate runner who won the Detroit Free Press Marathon alongside her husband in 2024.

"I'm just so passionate about it (running), and so is my wife. We find a way to make it work in life and get the privilege to make it more than just 'something we do,'" said Bowman. "Certain days of training look like just running easy next to each other, which also means pushing our son in a stroller… It's our lifestyle, and everything we do in it is basically together."

Bowman continues to build an impressive legacy as an athlete. While at Oakland, he became the first athlete in program history to earn second-team All-American honors after finishing 14th in the 3,000-meter steeplechase at the 2018 NCAA Track and Field Championships. That same year, he won the Horizon League Outdoor Championship in both the 3,000-meter steeplechase and the 5,000-meter race, capping a career filled with first-place finishes and top times.

"It is really amazing to see Andy out there doing such amazing things. I am so proud of him. He does such a great job taking care of himself and plans meticulously, and you have to master that to be successful at a high level in the marathon," said Oakland Head Track and Field Coach Paul Rice. "What he is accomplishing is so inspiring, and to see him being part of the local community and bringing the attention and excitement to our area is really a testament to his heart and who he is. I can't wait to see what he does next. The Olympic trials will be really exciting for Andy, Sydney and his family and friends. What a fun ride to be on, and what an exciting story to keep watching."

With success at multiple levels of running competition, Bowman says each stage of his journey has brought its own positive experiences.

"Success at Oakland and now is kind of equal but different. Each phase, even going back to high school, has been its own stage," Bowman explained. "Each accomplishment, especially like the one in the Detroit Free Press Marathon, is on an even playing field but different. Every time you go do something special, it's that same excitement and exhilaration."

An experienced veteran on the course, Bowman recognizes how his running style and approach have evolved throughout his years of competition.

"When I was in high school and college, I was younger and a lot less trained, so each phase, I try to take that next step. I'm just honored and grateful that I get to keep experiencing this late into my life, and hopefully I still have quite a few years ahead of me, because each one of them has been fantastic."

The Bowmans have a couple more marathons on their schedule in the near future, including the U.S. Marathon Championships in Sacramento, California, in December.

"We have a marathon coming up in December, the U.S. Marathon Championship in Sacramento, California. That one will be just to see how high up on the podium we can finish," said Bowman.

As Bowman continues to chase new milestones, his record-breaking performance in Detroit serves as another chapter in a career defined by passion, perseverance and a drive to keep improving. With more on the horizon, the former Golden Grizzly is far from finished making his mark on the running world.