For Mark Woommavovah, the road to the Oklahoma Senior Games started in small-town Oklahoma, but his story has traveled far and wide.
Growing up in Cache, Oklahoma, Mark’s passion for sports was evident from an early age.
“It started at Cache High School,” Mark said. “I ran track and cross country. I also played basketball and football.”
That foundation earned him a track scholarship to Northeastern A&M College in Miami, Oklahoma, where he began his collegiate athletic career. From there, he walked on to the University of Oklahoma’s cross country team and also became active in the Army ROTC program—setting the stage for his next chapter of service.
Mark went on to serve in the United States Army for an impressive 31 years, a testament to his discipline, endurance, and leadership. While in the Army, he continued his athletic pursuits.
“I ran while I was in the Army,” Mark said. “Every year in October they host the largest 10-mile race in the United States. It starts and ends at the Pentagon. I’ve taken teams, and I’ve coached and run on teams there.”
In 2021, he was elected Chairman of the Comanche Nation, serving a three-year term with honor. Today, he continues to serve his community as the President and CEO of United Way of Southwest Oklahoma.
Despite his long list of accomplishments, Mark’s athletic journey didn’t end with his military or political service. He’s now a proud competitor in the Oklahoma Senior Games, where he’s participated for the last four years in the 5K Road Race and the triathlon. He has even taken his talents to the national level, representing Oklahoma in the National Senior Games in both Florida and Pittsburgh.
But Mark isn’t just running for himself—he’s running for others, too. He authored a children’s book, “The Little Indian Runner,” as a tribute to his nephew Lucas Owen. The book’s proceeds go to AutismOklahoma, combining Mark’s passion for running with his heart for giving back.
When Mark first competed in the Senior Games, he noticed something striking.
“We have a lot of representation from Oklahoma City and Tulsa, but I was the only one from southwest Oklahoma,” Mark said.
That realization sparked a mission. He began actively promoting the Games, encouraging others in his community to join in and experience the camaraderie, competition, and joy that the Senior Games brings.
From a high school athlete in Cache to a national competitor, Army veteran, tribal leader, and nonprofit CEO, Mark Woommavovah continues to prove that passion, purpose, and perseverance can carry you far—and that the race never really ends.
Copies of “The Little Indian Runner” can be purchased on Amazon or from http://www.thelittleindianrunner.com.
