Mount Cameroon Race : Path Covered 50 Years On

1973-2023 marks 50 years since the town of Buea, South West region began vibrating with the Mount Cameroon Race, that has become a national treasure. Stakeholders, spearheaded by the Cameroon Athletics Federation will from February 24-25, 2023, celebrate this golden jubilee highlighted by the 28th edition of the Mount Cameroon Race of Hope. From some 140 athletes at kick-off, to 600 in this year’s edition, tells of how far the race has evolved. Seeing the prize money move from FCFA 30, 000 to 10, 000 million tells of the commitment and creativeness of stakeholders. It has not been a bed of roses.  It has been 50 years of sweet-bitter memories that the organisers can only be proud to have made the legacy live on despite challenges. During the first three races, there were stories of supernatural happenings up the foggy mountain which frightened non-native to participate in the annual event. 
Things gradually changed with time but with challenges of the pioneer sponsor leaving, the injection of government aid, the change of starting points right up to 1996 when the race was moved to Molyko Ominisports Stadium. The name of race equally changed from the Mount Cameroon Race to the Mount Cameroon Race of Hope. Reason, we talk of the 28th edition of the Mount Cameroon Race of Hope and the 50th edition of the Mount Cameroon Race.  Despite the ups and downs, the Mountain Race stayed afloat, attracting more foreign athletes in those days, with some of them carrying the day. Since 2010, the winners have all been Cameroonians. 
During this weekend’s ceremony, the likes of the first winner of the race, Joh...