2021 Race of Hope: Five-time champion, Godlove Gabsibuin says he deliberately let others win

By Tata Mbunwe

After winning the Mount Cameroon Race of Hope last year, five-time champion, Godlove Gabsibuin Bobuin, crossed the finish line in 4 hours 44 minutes, 13 minutes after this year’s champion, Ali Mohammadou.

After winning his first and second trophies in 2012 and 2013, Gabsibuin has always interspersed with other athletes before winning again.

“You see me taking the second position this year because I never went in for more training. But I’m very grateful because I’m one of the oldest runners of this race and every year I am among the first three,” he said.

Gabsibuin owns an athletic club where he trains younger athletes who, he says, will take over from him when he is not there anymore. His son, Prophet Gabsibuin emerged second in the junior men category while Mamoudou Dahirou, another member of his club, was first in the junior men category.

To the 32-year-old champion, it is his wish to also let others win the race after winning it several times in the past.

“When you win, you let others win too so that they can be happy with you, because if you are the only one dominating, anytime they see you they will be angry. That is why I use to exchange my position to make them happy,” he said.

Godlove Gabsibuin first won the race in 2012, then emerged victorious again in 2013.

In 2014, he gave way for Eric Mbatcha’s victory, before winning again during the 2015, 2018 and 2020 editions.