Mount Cameroon Race of Hope

Mount Cameroon Race of Hope.

The Mount Cameroon Race of Hope is an annual competition organised in South-West Region, in Cameroon.

Geographical Location

A mountain is a landform that rises high above its surroundings. Taller than a hill. It usually has a steep slope and a rounded top or sharp peak. A race is a context to see who is moving quickest. Mountain race is a competitive sport where competitors run, climb and descend steep rough terrain; often over a long distance. Mount Cameroon race is one of such races that is carried out once a year in the month of February where competitors come from national and internation countries to compete. It is organized by the ministry of sport and physical education and the Cameroon Athletic Federation (CAF) and the regional authorities such as the Governor of the South West Region.

Beginning

Mount Cameroon is the highest mountain in West Africa. The mountain Cameroon race of hope started in the year 1973. The first winner was John Ekema; who received a gift of 30.000frs. Sarah Etonge has won the race many times; and she was crowned the queen of the mountain. The organization has built a house for her on the road to Buea central market in honour of her title as ‘Queen of the mountain’. This event is being covered by national and private broadcasting houses/medias. For example; CRTV Buea, Afrique media, Dream FM, Dash TV and CBS radio house.

Activities

The mount Cameroon race of hope is often characterized by cultural activities like traditional dances, live music and dancing; starting from the eve of the events into the event proper.

The mount Cameroon race of hope is often characterized by cultural activities like traditional dances, live music and dancing; starting from the eve of the events into the event proper. A week before the Mount Cameroon Race begins, traditional rites are done on the mountain by the Bakwerian chiefs. They perform traditional rites to appease the gods of the Mountain. They also burn grasses in order to clear the footpath for the athletes to run through. The 31st edition which took place on Saturday the 21st February 2026 was not an exception. The Buea community has made these events interesting for kids by organizing trade fare which start a week before the mountain race. Games like marry-go-round, ‘blind man no de see’, play station games, dancing competition with prize award, just to name a few.

Registration

The registration process is controlled by the Cameroon athletic Federation (CAF). It begins with a registration form provided by CAF for athletes to fill. They are required to fill their names, ages, nationality and the category in which they will be running. There categories include; senior categories, junior categories, veteran and relay categories. During selection, the registered athletes must take part in a mandatory test race which is organized a month before the mountain race. They are also required to provide a medical certificate of fitness. The qualified athletes are issued race numbers.

Competition

A week before the Mount Cameroon Race begins, traditional rites are done on the mountain by the Bakwerian chiefs. They perform traditional rites to appease the gods of the Mountain.

The running involves three categories which include; senior men and women, junior category and veteran.

• The senior men and women category cover a distance of 42km from Molyko Stadium to the summit.
• The junior category covers a shorter distance of 20 to 28km.
• The veteran category run a shorter road as compared to the senior category.

Molyko Stadium

All the categories start and ends at the Molyko Stadium. The organizers of the race put personnels at strategic points. For example, hut one, hut two and hut three. As they pass through these places, a rubber band of different colours is placed on their wrists to avoid faults. Runners are accompanied by media groups.

Arrival and Prizes

The arrival of the first athlete is always accompanied by Media houses, security ambulance, Red Cross and the general public. The winner of the Mountain Race is the first person who crosses the finishing line after the ascending and descending back to the starting point. As the runner crosses the finishing line, the organizers check if he or she has all the rubber bands required for the race. He or she is declared the winner immediately. The top male and female runners generally receive a cash price; such as the 10,000,000frs award recently. The winner of this 2026 year race is Hamadou Bi Ibrahim.

Reference

• Salah, M. A., et al. (2012). "Anthropometric and Hemodynamic Profiles of Athletes and Their Relevance to Performance in the Mount Cameroon Race of Hope." Asian Journal of Sports Medicine, 3(2), 99-104.

Voir aussi

• Kwacoco
• Harvesting Snails
• Corn Farming

This article was created or expanded as part of a class project. Other articles resulting from school work

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