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By Njodzeka Kernyuy
The Mount Cameroon Race of Hope is accustomed to names like Elvis Nsabinla, Godlove Gabsibuim, Ngwaya Yvonne, and Kitan Mildred, but this year was different, as the race saw entirely new faces.
After consistently running for several editions with hopes of winning one day, Saturday, February 21, 2026, was the day of reward for Hamadou Bi Ibrahim and Wirba Mary Grace, who emerged as champions in the senior men’s and women’s categories, respectively.
This achievement took place during the 31st edition of the annual Mount Cameroon Race of Hope, held in Buea, southwestern Cameroon. The race saw the participation of over 600 athletes who challenged the “chariots of the gods,” ascending 4,040 meters.
The senior categories required participants to climb to the summit and then repeat the journey in reverse, returning to the starting point at the Molyko Omnisport Stadium, where the winners were declared.
Hamadou Bi Ibrahim to Change Family’s Circumstances
Hamadou Bi Ibrahim, from Awing in Cameroon’s Santa Subdivision, had participated in the race twice before finding success on his third attempt. Speaking to journalists, the 28-year-old shared that he comes from a struggling family background and that the 10 million FCFA cash prize would be a life-changing opportunity.
For his club, Afuem-Alah Athletics, his victory was a moment of immense joy.
Wirba Mary Grace to Rest, Plan Next Move
For several editions, Wirba Mary Grace competed in and won relay categories before finally embarking on the main race. That consistency has ultimately paid off. The Molyko Omnisport Stadium erupted in applause and jubilation when the native of Kiyan in Kumbo, Cameroon’s Bui Division, crossed the finish line.
“I took just three months to prepare for this race,” she told journalists after receiving her cash prize of 10 million FCFA, among other benefits. Wirba described her win of the Mount Cameroon race of hope as magical, especially because her name was not on the official list published days before the race by the Cameroon Athletic Federation.
It was only on the eve of the race that her name was added to the list of athletes, handwritten with a pen. Fortunately, what was delayed was not denied. Aside from being a marathoner, she is also a teacher by profession and an assistant referee in the Cameroon Guinness Super League.
When asked about her plans for the prize money, she said, “For now, I just want to rest before figuring out what I want to do with it. For now, there is no plan.”
Though Hamadou Bi Ibrahim and Wirba Mary Grace enjoyed the main spotlight, others also shared in the glory. In the Senior Men’s category, Gabsibuim Evarette Webgong and Seni Bi Kadiri came second and third, respectively. Similarly, Njeyang Sydony Bonwi and Tatah Carine finished second and third in the Female Senior category.
Other Categories of Mount Cameroon Race of Hope
While the Mount Cameroon race of hope is anchored on the senior category, several other divisions also produced winners. In the junior men’s category, Kari Seth Bolack emerged victorious, followed by Harouna Umaru and Musa Umaro. Meanwhile, in the junior women’s category, Chinwen Sandrine Ntumnwi was crowned champion, followed by Nforbi Josephine Kwasinwi and Agabsibuimm Kindness Njodzok.
There was also the Veteran Category, with 48-year-old Nyami Roland taking first position among men and Sarah Liengu Etonge, the “queen of the mountain,” securing first place among veteran women.
22 Foreign Athletes in Attendance at Mount Cameroon Race of Hope
Since 1973, the Mount Cameroon Race of Hope has consistently seen the participation of foreign nationals, who were winning before home athletes eventually took over. In this year’s edition, 22 foreign nationals from 13 countries, including Kenya, Germany, France, Morocco, Costa Rica, and South Africa, were present and challenged the “chariots of god.”
The 31st edition was held under the theme “Let’s give peace a chance.” Reflecting on this, Cameroon’s Minister of Sports and Physical Education, Narcisse Moule Kombi, who presided over the race in Buea, stated that it reaffirms and strengthens the role of sports as a vehicle for peace, unity, and national integration.
