By Njodzeka Kernyuy
Six hundred athletes from 14 countries, including Cameroon, will take part in the 31st edition of the Mount Cameroon Race of Hope, the Cameroon Athletics Federation has announced.
The race is taking place in Buea on Saturday, February 21.
According to a list published by the Cameroon Athletic Federation, the foreign countries set to take part in the race include DR Congo, Congo, Costa Rica, Germany, Nigeria, Uganda, Chad, Morocco, Tunisia, Kenya, Mali, South Africa, and the Central African Republic.
The federation added that, of the 600 athletes, 339, including 69 women, will compete in the senior categories, and 141, including 34 girls, will compete in the junior categories.
Meanwhile, the veteran category is comprised of 120 athletes (30 women and 90 men).
Of the 13 foreign countries, Kenya is sending the highest number of athletes, which is five. In total, 22 of the 600 athletes are from abroad.
Sarah Etonge Among Veterans
As the race unfolds on Saturday, many will definitely be watching out for Sarah Liengu Etonge, the seven-time female champion winner of the race, who holds the title of Queen of the Mountain.
She came back into the race and won the veteran category after being away for some time. She is again competing in that category this year.
During an interview with journalists, she said she still had the strength to compete in the senior women category and promised to return to that category.
However, no reason has been given for why she is not fulfilling that promise.
Names to Watch Out For
In the Senior Women category, Tumi Macrina Yinyuy, Kitan Mildred Ntumeku, Ngalim Lissete Narila, Tatah Carine, and Ngwaya Yvonne Njibuh, who are all champions, will be competing for the first position.
In the Senior Men category, Abdul Saidou and Ali Mohamadou are on the list as well. However, names like Godlove Gabsibuim and Ndumbe Simplice are absent.
Race Transformed
The race started in 1973 and was initially won by foreigners before home athletes took center stage.
The mountain stands 4,000 meters above sea level.
The competition covers about 42 kilometers, from Molyko Omnisport Stadium to the summit.
The first prize is 10,000,000 FCFA in both the senior male and female categories.