The 31st edition of the Mount Cameroon Race of Hope saw victories for Hamadou Bi Ibrahim and Wirba Destiny Grace, both athletes hailing from the Northwest region, on February 21, 2026. The event brought together 600 athletes, including 22 international competitors, on the slopes of Mount Cameroon.
Hamadou Bi Ibrahim secured first place in the Senior Men's category with a time of 4 hours, 24 minutes, and 42 seconds, earning him a prize of 10 million FCFA. He finished more than ten minutes ahead of his closest rival, maintaining his lead after being the first Cameroonian to reach the summit. The 38-year-old athlete, representing the Afeum-Alah athletics club from Awing, emphasized the difficulty of the descent. Gabsibwin Everette W. and Adamu Issa Buba completed the men's podium.
In the Senior Women's category, Wirba Destiny Grace dominated the race, finishing in 5 hours, 22 minutes, and 11 seconds. She benefited from the support of her coach, Godlove Gabsibwin, a five-time champion of the event. Outside of athletics, Wirba is a teacher and a referee in the Guinness Super League of Cameroon. She described the race as a challenging but rewarding experience. Njeyang Sydney Bonwi and Tatah Carine took second and third places, respectively.
The Junior Women's category was dominated by athletes from the Donga Mantung department, with Chinwen Sandrine Ntumnwi, Nforbi Joséphine Kwasinwi, and Agabsibuin Kindness Njodzok taking the top three spots. This performance follows their success at the Mount Madjang race, a preparatory event.
In the veterans' category, Nyambe Roland and Sarah Etonge emerged victorious in their respective categories. Sarah Etonge, a seven-time winner of the Race of Hope, expressed her desire to continue competing as long as possible.
The Minister of Sports and Physical Education, Pr Narcisse Mouelle Kombi, presided over the 31st edition, emphasizing the importance of discipline and national pride. Special awards were presented, including those to Sarah Etonge and S.M. Albert Njie Bonde from CRTV. The Mount Cameroon Race of Hope remains a major event on the Cameroonian sporting calendar.
