Buea: The 30th edition of the Mount Cameroon Race of Hope, held on February 22, 2025, was marked by organisational challenges but successfully brought together over 600 national and international athletes under the theme “Let’s give peace a chance.” Despite initial concerns about the lack of innovations for the race, which is in its 52nd year, the event witnessed spirited participation and competitive performances.
According to Cameroon News Agency, participants from nine foreign countries competed for the decade-established prize of ten million FCFA, exclusive of taxes. In the senior male category, Cameroonian athlete Usheni Hassan clinched his first victory with a time of 4 hours, 40 minutes, and 9 seconds. He was followed by the 2021 champion, Ali Mohammadou, who finished in 4 hours, 42 minutes, and 34 seconds, while Abdou Amadou secured third place in 4 hours, 45 minutes, and 6 seconds.
Continuing Cameroon’s winning streak in the senior categories since 1992, Ngalim Lizette emerged victorious in the senior female category. Lizette achieved her third win in the race, clocking in at 5 hours, 24 minutes, and 41 seconds, surpassing her immediate predecessor’s record. Njeyang Sydony and Tumi Macrina followed in second and third place, with times of 5 hours, 30 minutes, and 19 seconds, and 5 hours, 32 minutes, and 5 seconds, respectively.
The race faced criticism over organisational issues, particularly regarding the prize money, which has remained unchanged since 2014. Observers suggested that improvements could be made, especially with the involvement of telecommunications company MTN, which recently signed a three-year sponsorship contract.
Further complications arose when the official race sponsor was only confirmed a week prior to the event, casting doubts on the race’s quality. Attendees at the Molyko Omnisport Stadium reported poor sound quality, and the press faced difficulties in identifying athletes due to the absence of jersey numbers in the official booklet.
Despite these challenges, the people of Buea turned out in large numbers to support the race, hoping for improvements in future editions to enhance its standing on the international stage.