Meet the 2023 SWM Athletes: Andy Bayer

Andy Bayer | Men’s Elite Mile

Social Media: Instagram (and Threads) | Twitter | Venmo

Sponsor: On
College: Indiana
Mile PR: 3:52.90

I retired from running after losing my contract in 2020 and became a software engineer. Last summer I realized I missed running and decided I would give it another go.
My partner Chelsea and I will celebrate our 10 year wedding anniversary this fall! Chelsea will also be running the Chicago Marathon- She has two goals, to raise $2000 for the charity GLASA and to break 3 hours- if you would like to support the adaptive sports charity here is her fundraising page – https://fundraisers.hakuapp.com/chelsea-blanchard
I have two amazing kids, Christina is 14 and plays the saxophone and runs cross country. Christopher is 11 and loves space, dinosaurs, and taking things apart.
This year I have been running for the “Character Builders Track Club”- Character Builders was my Dad’s building/carpentry company in the 80’s. It has the most beautiful logo inspired by my Dad’s love for the Grateful Dead (Designed by Fort Wayne Artist Diane Groenert).
When I re-retire from running I’m looking forward to returning to pick-up soccer – I can’t say I’m the best, but I have hustle!

Do you have any superstitions/pre-race rituals? No crazy rituals… I like to enjoy a coffee about 2 hours before I race.
What’s your favorite sport (or athlete) to watch, besides running? Liverpool F.C.- Mo Salah is my fave. I also love that European soccer is on live in the morning- nothing beats coffee and some football.
What’s a show or movie you’ve seen lately that’s worth watching? Just finished Transatlantic on Netflix- I highly recommend!
What’s a song or podcast that’s currently on your playlist? Been loving Big Thief’s new song “Vampire Empire”
Do you have any connections to Raleigh or North Carolina? North Carolina’s finest Ryan Hill and I were teammates in BTC- Nothing beats laughing with Ryan on a run.

Learn more about Andy at: VIS Experience | Run with the Pros