On the 24th and 25th of February 2023, the South-west region of Cameroon hosted the 28th edition of the Mount Cameroon race of hope and the 50th anniversary of the Mount Cameroon race under the theme “let’s give peace a chance“. 13 countries took part of this competition: France, United States of America, Gabon, Ethiopia, Congo, Nigeria, Gabon, Tanzania, Central Africa Republic, Chad, Tunisia, Morocco, and Cameroon the hosted country.
What is Mount Cameroon Race of Hope?
The Mount Cameroon Race of Hope (foot race) is a mixed event that permits participants to travel roughly 42 kilometers, as well as the ascent of the “chariot of the gods,” (the name given to Mount Cameroon by the Carthaginian navigator Hannan he came across it on his expedition).
Mount Cameroon Race of Hope is a foot race that is organized every year in Cameroon. The race of hope is in its 28th edition this year. In most years, the event takes place in January or February but mostly in February.
The competition continues to rank among the largest annual sporting occasions in the Southwest region, attracting competitors from almost every part of the nation and abroad.
Where is Mount Cameroon Race of Hope taking place?
Buea, Southwest Cameroon is the starting point for the Race of Hope.
History and evolution of the race
For more information about the history and evolution of the race click on those links Cameroonpostline, crtv
What Happens at The Race of Hope?
Competitors from many nations converged in Cameroon’s Southwest region to compete for the reward of being the first to run to Mount Cameroon’s summit and back.
Like all other official events, the ceremony started will the arrival of the highest authorities, singing of the National Anthem “Ô Cameroun berceau de nos ancêtres“, followed by a speech read by the Minister of sport and physical education, next the showcase of several tribal or cultural dances,
Around 8… the competitors or runners started heading for the summit. After the Athletes left the stadium, numerous sporting, cultural, and entertainment activities are planned to keep the spectators occupied during this ascent while they wait for the runners to show up.
After waiting for 3 or hours some minutes, athletes returned to the starting point (Molyko Omni sports stadium) to cross the finish line. Because the race was physically demanding, some participants passed out as soon as they crossed the finish line, while others quit.
After the arrival of all the winners. The Minister and the Governor gave medals and checks to the top three in each category.
How many athletes took part in the Cameroon Race of Hope?
The number of athletes varied since the beginning of the competition still the recent edition. At the beginning of the competition in 1973 the number of athletes was between 140, last year, during the recent edition on the 25th of February the number increased from 500 to 600 athletes.
Why the 28th edition of the Cameroon race of hope and the 50th anniversary of the Cameroon race?
In 1973 the race was organized and sponsored by Guinness Cameroon and was named the Guinness Mount Cameroon Race.
After a decade, in 1995, the race’s organization switched from Guinness Cameroon to the Ministry of Youth and Sport, and its name was changed to the Mount Cameroon Race of Hope.
The reason we talk about the 50th anniversary of the Cameroon Race and the 28th edition of the Mount Cameroon Race of Hope.
from 1973 to 2023 marks 50 years of the Mount Cameroon Race. From 1995 to 2023 (according to our calculation) marks the 28th edition or 28th anniversary of Mount Cameroon Race of Hope.
Who are the winners of the 28th edition of Mount Cameroon Race of Hope?
A Cameroonian, John Ekema, won the first edition on March 1973, and two more Cameroonians, Ngoh Njombe and Ndumbe Evambe, won the following two. This is important to note because, since 2010, all of the winners have been Cameroonians.
Senior’s category
Male winners (all the winners are Cameroonians)
- 1st ADAMOU ISSA BOUBA 4 hours 40 minutes 01second 32-year-old ( for the first time)
- 2nd AMADOU ABDOU 4 hours 40 minutes 21 seconds
- 3rd ELVIS NSABINLA 4 hours 41 minutes 4 seconds
Female winners (all the winners are Cameroonians)
- 1st TATAH CARINE 5 hours 18 minutes 44 seconds 25-year-old ( 5th times)
Tatah Carine won the race for the 5th time. She won the 23rd edition in 2018, the 24th edition in 2019, the 25th edition in 2020, the 27th edition in 2022, and the recent 28th edition on the 25th of February 2023.
- 2nd KITAN MILDRED 5 hours 23 minutes 17 seconds
- 3rd ADAMOU IRINE 5 hours 32 minutes 9 seconds
The 50th anniversary of the Mount Cameroon Race of Hope
The minister of sports and physical education spoke in place of the head of state to give the inaugural speech, award prizes, and cut the 50th-anniversary cake.
