2024 Mt Cameroon Race: Winning Excitement Subsides After Athlete Dies

By Zifac Fatima

The 29^th edition of  Mt Cameroon Race of Hope which took place in Buea, South West region of Cameroon  on 24^th February 2024 under the theme “Let’s give peace a chance” culminated in two  Cameroonians of  Northwest origin emerging  champions: Elvis Nsabinla in  the Senior Men’s category and Adamu Irene in the Senior Women’s category.

Nsabinla who crossed the finish line in 4hours,45minutes was awarded 10million Francs CFA; the second, Amadou Abdou, made it in 4hours, 47minutes smiling home with 7million Francs CFA and Saidu Nuhu who came 3^rd in 4hours 49minutes got 5million Francs CFA.

Mt. Cameroon is the highest Mountain in West and Central Africa, measuring 4095metres. But the race course is 38km, starting from the Buea Molyko Omnisport stadium to the summit and back

The first three in the senior women’s category were awarded the same prizes, respectfully, as winners of the senior men’s category.

The first was Adamu Irine Kwaha who finished in 5hours, 36minutes, followed by Tumi Macrina Yiinyuy in 5hours, 30minutes and Ngalim Lizette who came 3^rd in 5hours, 30 minutes.

Orange Cameroon was the major and official sponsor.  Other sponsors included: Madiba water, PMUC, Prudential Beneficial insurance, Biaka University Institute of Buea which also encouraged winners with prizes.

The excitement that greeted the atmosphere with the arrival of race champions died down when news broke out that 32-year-old Kenyan Athlete, Charles Kipsang had collapsed shortly after crossing the finish line and died when rushed to the Buea regional hospital.

The race proper was preceded by a launch on 23^rd of February at the Molyko Omnisport stadium Buea, presided over by the Minister of Sports and Physical Education, Professor Narcisse Mouelle Kombi. Other dignitaries who attended the launch included; the President of Cameroon Athletic Federation, Motombi Emmanuel Mbome; South West Governor, Bernard Okalia Bilai, the president of the South West Regional Assembly, Bakoma Elango Zacheus; the Mayor of Buea, Barrister David Mafany Namange and the Paramount chief of Buea, HRM Chief Robert Esuka.

The Mayor, in his welcome address, wished that the god of Mt. Fako Efasa-Moto should guide and protect the athletes before and after the race. “You should know that even though your goal is to emerge victorious you should not lose sight of the Olympic spirit of fair play”, the mayor told the athletes.

On his part, President Motombi expressed joy with the massive attendance and participation of Cameroonians and foreigners.

He also acknowledged Jakai George, one of the competitors who has resolutely taken part in the race since its inception in 1973.

Biaka University Institute at this moment, gave Jakai George a package and also offered to give him free medical services at the Biaka hospital as long as he lives. “Just as Cars need Maintenance to run, the human body also needs maintenance to function properly that’s is why we (the Biaka Hospital) are offering you free medical services for as long as you live” Madam Biaka told Jakai George.

Minister Mouelle Kombi expressed his gratitude to all personalities who graced the ceremony. He said sports promotes peace and dialogue amongst individuals and nations, that is why the race is proudly encouraged by the state of Cameroon.

The minister reassured participants of their security and a fair competition.

This year’s race recorded the participation of more than 600 Athletes from Cameroon, Central Africa, Republic of Chad, Republic of Congo, Costa Rica, Ethiopia, France, Kenya, Lebanon, Morocco and Tunisia.

The 2024 Mount Cameroon Race of Hope:Takeoff from Molyko Stadium

Talking to the press shortly after race, Tumi Macrina said she did not face any difficulty during the race but expressed a little disappointment coming in the second position because she was leading the race before she was overtaken by Adamu Irine.

Ngalim Lizette on the other hand said the race was quiet challenging “the fear I had about the crisis also made me weak and the cold weather also affected me” Ngalim told the press.

The event was entertaining with a lot traditional dance interludes from cultural groups and a fashion display, which crowned Abigail Fondop as the 2024 Miss Mount Cameroon Race of hope.