Cameroon: 650 Athletes Expected as Preparations Intensify for 31st Mt Cameroon Race of Hope

By Boris Esono Nwenfor

BUEA, PAV – The Governor of the South West Region, Bernard Okalia Bilai, on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, chaired the first preparatory working session of the Local Organising Committee of the 31st edition of the Mount Cameroon Race of Hope, officially setting the tone for what stakeholders describe as a highly competitive and professionally organised event.

Presiding in his capacity as Chair of the Local Organising Committee, Governor Okalia Bilai urged members of the 14 technical and operational committees to demonstrate total commitment and professionalism to ensure the iconic race maintains the high standards that have earned it continental and international recognition over the years.

During the session, organisers confirmed that the Test Race will take place on January 24, 2026, while the main race is scheduled for February 21, 2026. These dates mark critical milestones in the build-up to the annual Mount Cameroon Race of Hope,” which traditionally draws elite athletes from Cameroon and beyond.

Athletics Federation Intensifies Preparations

Providing insight into preparations from the technical athletics standpoint, Eteki Njoh, Regional President for Athletics in the South West Region, said planning for the 31st edition had already reached an advanced stage.

“We have started preparing for the 31st edition of the Mount Cameroon Race of Hope by first fixing the date, which is February 21, 2026,” Njoh explained. “After that, the federation, working as a family, selected athletes who would run the main race.”

According to him, pre-selective test races have already been held in eight regions, with the South West and another region concluding the series on Saturday, January 24. “We are preparing to select about 650 athletes who will take part in the main race,” he disclosed.

In a move aimed at motivating athletes and boosting participation, Njoh announced that cash prizes will be awarded during the pre-selective races. “The federation has decided to award 100,000 francs CFA each to the first male and female athletes, followed by 75,000 and 50,000 francs CFA for the second and third positions, respectively,” he said.

He further revealed the return of the International Trade Fair, scheduled to run from February 10 to March 8, 2026, describing it as a platform to mobilise the population and showcase the economic and cultural potential of the region. The fair will culminate on March 8, in celebration of female athletes participating in the race.

Njoh warned local athletes to brace for stiff competition, noting that runners from Bamenda, Kribi, and other regions had already confirmed their participation in the Test Race. “It’s not going to be chocolates. Athletes from different regions are ready to challenge those from the South West,” he said.

International interest is also growing, with the SW Athletics president revealing that a German athlete has already signaled her intention to compete. “We are preparing her documentation so she can come to Cameroon for the race,” he added.

Anti-Doping Measures to be strengthened

On the medical front, Dr Mokake Martin, Director of the Buea Regional Hospital and Vice President of the Medical Commission, assured stakeholders that anti-doping tests and medical screening would be strictly enforced.

“We started anti-doping tests last year, and it yielded much-needed fruits. This year, we are increasing both capacity and bandwidth,” he said. To avoid last-minute complications, medical checks will be completed 48 hours before the race, allowing athletes enough time to rest and recover.

Dr Mokake emphasised that medical reports will now be transmitted directly to the Medical Commission, which will issue clearance certificates to athletes. “This will eliminate the loopholes experienced last year,” he stated.

Meanwhile, Njonje Mbua, Director of the Molyko Stadium, assured organisers that the facility is nearly ready to host international activities linked to the event. “Molyko Stadium is 80 per cent ready to welcome international events,” he said. “Just like last year, we are doing our best to ensure visitors leave satisfied.”