John Bysiewicz Named MarathonFoto/Road Race Management Race Director of the Year

December 26, 2023

New Haven Road Race Director Inspired Others After Tragic Bike Accident

/ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ – A committee made up of race directors, athletes, media, corporate executives, and club officials has named John Bysiewicz, Owner and President of JB Sports, as the MarathonFoto/Road Race Management Race Director of the Year. MYLAPS Sports Technology is the presenting sponsor.

John will be honored at a reception at the Road Race Management Race Directors’ Meeting in Hollywood, FL on December 11.

Phil Stewart, President of Road Race Management, said, “John’s courage, perseverance and fortitude are an inspiration to us all. He had been the director of the USATF 20K championships for over two decades, along with a number of other Connecticut running fixtures, and was one of the most visible race directors in the state when his life took a tragic turn just over a year ago. Undaunted, his commitment to his craft never waivered.”

John’s nominator said of him, “John Bysiewicz owns JB Sports, a company that organizes 20 running and walking events in Connecticut since 1989. His signature event is the Faxon Law New Haven Road Race, which includes the USATF 20K National Championship.

Last November, Bysiewicz had his left leg amputated below the knee after he was struck by a hit-and-run driver while biking on the road. Bysiewicz, a long-time runner, had become a triathlete after knee problems forced him to limit his running. He had just won his age group in a triathlon and because it was a beautiful November day, he went out for a bike ride.

A good Samaritan saw his bike bag and debris on the side of the road and found him in a ditch, barely alive. His wife had to make the decision to amputate. He woke up three days later at Yale New Haven Hospital, his lower left leg gone. His left arm was also broken in five places, among several other injuries.

Bysiewicz, 60, doesn’t dwell on any of that. He had a business to run, which included one of the biggest running events in the state, The New Haven Road Race, which attracts between 3,500 and 4,000 participants, takes over the New Haven Green Monday morning and includes the 20K national championship, a half marathon, a 5K and kid’s races.

Through multiple surgeries and a hard rehabilitation, organizing running events kept his mind busy. Practically as soon as he was conscious, he was calling us at the office and giving us lists of things to do! After a 4-month stay at a Rehab facility, he came to work the day after he was released. He came to his first event a few weeks after that in a wheelchair, and now you can see him walking with his prosthetic – same old John – making sure each race runs smoothly.

Most importantly, his mindset is so positive, and he has gone on to inspire many injured athletes.”

The MarathonFoto/Road Race Management Race Director of the Year award (presented by MYLAPS Sports Technology) is made annually to recognize and promote excellence in race directing. Nominees were judged on several factors, including overall ability, reputation of race, creativity, and organizational ability. For a list of previous recipients, visit http://www.rrm.com/act/rdm/rdypast.asp.

Road Race Management (www.rrm.com) is a member-based organization that publishes a digital newsletter and many other publications designed for race and industry professionals and conducts a prestigious annual national race directors’ meeting and trade show in Florida. MarathonFoto (www.marathonfoto.com) is the leader in race and endurance sports photography. MYLAPS helps athletes, timers, and events to create the ultimate sports experience for participants, followers and sponsors.

Contact:  Jeff Darman

(610.925.1976)

(610-299.4436 Cell)

jdarman@rrm.com