The 30th edition of the Mount Cameroon Race of Hope, held on February 22, 2025, in Buea, South West Region, has been dominated by athletes from Kumbo, in Bui Division, North West Region. They clinched top positions across multiple categories.
Senior Men Category: Usheni Hassan
Usheni Hassan, 24, from Kumbo, emerged victorious in the Senior Men Category, completing the challenging 42-kilometer course with exceptional speed and endurance. His victory adds to the region’s growing reputation in competitive athletics.
Senior Women Category: Ngalim Lisette
In the Senior Women Category, Ngalim Lisette, 36, also from Kumbo, secured the top spot. Her achievement further highlights the strength and determination of female athletes from the region.
Junior Women Category: Sever Telma
Sever Telma, 20, also from Bui Division, claimed first place in the Junior Women Category, demonstrating the emerging talent in the area.
Background
The Mount Cameroon Race of Hope, established in 1973, is an annual marathon that challenges participants to ascend and descend Mount Cameroon, an active volcano and the highest peak in West Africa. The race covers approximately 42 kilometers, with an elevation gain of about 4,000 meters. It attracts athletes from around the world, with the majority being Cameroonian.
This year’s event saw over 700 athletes from 12 countries competing, with the top three finishers in each category receiving monetary prizes. The race not only serves as a test of physical endurance but also as a cultural celebration, featuring various festivities that highlight the rich heritage of the Southwest Region.
The outstanding performances by athletes from Bui Division further highlight the region’s growing prominence in long-distance running and its contribution to the sport’s development in Cameroon. Other athletes from Donga Mantung such as Sale Saibou, 18 years old who won the Junior Male category, confirm the region’s dominance.
Njong Shey also contributed to this report and provided all the images.
