Kilimanjaro Marathon mourns race director John Bayo

The Kilimanjaro International Marathon Race Director, John Bayo has died, organisers of the marathon have announced, expressing deep and profound sorrow.

A statement issued by the organizers of the Marathon described the late Bayo as a great man and one of the pillars of the prestigious Kilimanjaro Marathon which is the biggest marathon event in Tanzania.

The organisers have sent a message of condolence to the late Bayo’s family, relatives, friends and to all athletics stakeholders in and out of Tanzania.

“When a great man passes, there is little to say, we have lost one of the pillars of the Kilimanjaro Marathon and a good friend,” said the statement.

According to the statement, Mr. Bayo was one for the founders of the Kilimanjaro Marathon when the first edition was held in 2003 with hardly 500 participants who did a fun run that later grew to a big event which now attracts over 12,000 runners.

Bayo was a tireless worker and has offered his expertise and experience to the event over all the years until his death.

“He also gave of his time and skills to other athletic events in Tanzania and showed them how to do marathons professionally,” said the organizers.

On nurturing of athletes, the Kili Marathon organizers said Mr. Bayo played a major part in the development of Tanzanian athletes over the years and was an ambassador for Tanzanian Athletics in Africa who encouraged runners to compete in different East and Southern Africa races.

“To us he was a good brother, a gentleman, a mentor and professional. We will miss him a lot,” said the statement.