Ahmed Shariff

Ahmed established the Mount Meru Marathon in Arusha, Tanzania, in October 1980 as part of a broader vision to promote distance running in Tanzania. Through his dedication and leadership, Ahmed helped to put both the Mount Meru Marathon on the international running map.

Ahmed was elected to the Board of Directors of AIMS in Lisbon, Portugal, in 1994. He served as a Director from 1994 to 2005 and was the first African and the first Muslim to serve on the AIMS Board. He hosted AIMS’ first-ever Board Meeting in Africa in Arusha, Tanzania, in October 2000. Throughout his life, he was a passionate advocate for running, health, recreation, and opportunities for young people across Africa.

Ahmed enjoyed a distinguished career in the banking industry, including serving as Director of Finance and Administration at the Central Bank of Tanzania.

Ahmed was highly respected within his community, where he devoted his time and energy to helping others. He played a significant role in helping to build a mosque for the local community near his home in Dar es Salaam. He is also dearly remembered for his support in providing employment opportunities to community members wherever possible.

His family was his greatest treasure, and he devoted himself to their wellbeing, guidance and happiness. Ahmed is survived by his wife, Fatma, and his six children

Ahmed was a greatly loved member of the running community and the wider sporting family. His legacy lives on through the Mount Meru Marathon, the countless lives he touched through sport and community service, and the family and friends who were blessed to share in his journey.