The fourth edition of the Cameroon Athletics Challenge was launched on April 9 in Douala, marking the start of preparations for the Douala International Marathon. Annie Eliane Nana, director of Tara Sports and Entertainment, presented the event at a press conference at the Douala 4th district city hall.
The Cameroon Athletics Challenge is a series of competitions designed to prepare Cameroonian athletes for the Douala International Marathon. The 2026 edition will kick off on April 12 in Douala and will take place in five cities across Cameroon. The schedule includes Kribi in May, Bafoussam in June, Yaoundé in July, and Ngaoundéré in August.
According to Annie Eliane Nana, these competitions serve as dress rehearsals for the 9th edition of the Douala International Marathon, scheduled for October. They also help keep the event in the minds of Cameroonians. The challenge includes a half-marathon, a 10 km race, and a 10 km walk.
For the launch in Douala, nearly 1,000 participants have already registered, either online or through Tara Sports coaches. A significant delegation from the Armed Forces and Police (FAP) club will also participate. Participants must present a medical certificate. A medical team with paramedics and the Bonassama hospital will be present to ensure the safety of competitors.
The 10 km events (race and walk) will start and finish at the Douala 4th district city hall, while the half-marathon (21 km) will start from Douala 1st and finish in Douala 4th. The mayor of Douala 4th, Edouard Hervé Moby Mpah, invited the public to discover his district and predicted the victory of a local athlete. The Douala International Marathon is a major event that attracts local and international runners. It includes a full marathon, a half marathon, and popular races.
