The 30th edition of the Mount Cameroon Race of Hope kicked off on February 21, 2025, in Buea, with Minister of Sports and Physical Education Narcisse Mouelle Kombi presiding over the official launch. The event drew a large crowd, including the Governor of the South West Region, Bernard Okalia Bilai, Municipal, Regional and traditional authorities from Fako.
The Paramount Ruler of Buea, Robert Esuka Endeley, urged the local population to come out and support the athletes, and they did just that on the day of the race. However, 16 athletes were disqualified from participating after failing medical checks.
In his remarks, Minister Kombi emphasized the importance of the Mount Cameroon Race of Hope in promoting peace, national integration, and cultural diversity. The event is a testament to Cameroon’s rich cultural heritage, with athletes from various regions coming together to challenge the slopes of Mount Cameroon.
The Winners
– Senior Male Category: Usheni Hassan from Kumbo in the Northwest region emerged as the overall winner, completing the course in 4 hours, 40 minutes, and 9 seconds. Ali Mohamadou and Abdou Amadou took second and third place, respectively.
– Female Senior Category: Ngalim Lisette from the North West Region was the first female athlete to cross the finish line.
– Female Veteran Category:Sarah Etonge, known as the “Queen of the Mountain,” emerged as the winner.
– Junior Category: Sale Saibou and Sever Telma were the first male and female athletes, respectively, to cross the finish line.
In an interview with CRTV, Usheni Hassan, winner of the male category, expressed satisfaction with his performance, stating that it was a delight to emerge triumphant. “I started participating in 2017 and achieved positive results. This victory is a direct result of my hard work.”
Ngalim Lisette, winner of the female senior category, shared her experience, saying, “The descent was not easy, but determination drove me to push through and secure my win.” This marks her third victory, having previously won in 2014 and 2017.
Sarah Etonge, known as the “Queen of the Mountain,” pledged to continue participating in the competition, confidently stating that the veteran category is not too challenging for her.
The award ceremony saw Sever Telma receive a gold medal as the best female athlete in the junior category, while Ngalim Lisette received her award from Governor Bernard Okalia Bilai. The top three male winners received their awards from Minister Kombi.
The Minister of Sports said, the successful organization of the 30th edition of the Mount Cameroon Race of Hope is a testament to the country’s ability to host world-class events that celebrate athleticism and cultural diversity.
After 30 years, the Mount Cameroon Race of Hope continues to uncover and showcase exceptional young talents.
Tanjong Levis Agbor
