By Angu Lesley
Football Writer,kick442.com-Cameroon
A total of 600 athletes have been officially cleared to compete in this weekend’s Mount Cameroon Race of Hope, following the publication of the final list by Technical Director Michel Nkolo on Monday after all required protocols were completed. The list confirms participation across six categories, with 588 Cameroonian runners and 22 foreign athletes set to tackle the demanding slopes of West and Central Africa’s highest peak.
The foreign contingent represents 13 countries — Nigeria, France, South Africa, Congo, Chad, Uganda, Central African Republic, Tunisia, Morocco, Germany, Mali, Costa Rica and Kenya. Kenya carries the largest foreign delegation with four athletes, while Chad follows with three. Despite the international presence, the race remains overwhelmingly dominated by home competitors, with leading local clubs such as FAP, NUAC, AACK and Mvilla fielding strong numbers.
Founded in 1973, the Mount Cameroon Race of Hope — locally known as La Course de l’Espoir — has grown from a modest mountain challenge into one of Africa’s most iconic endurance races. The competition covers approximately 38 to 42 kilometres of steep ascent and descent up Mount Cameroon, which rises to over 4,000 metres above sea level. Over the decades, the event has attracted athletes from Europe, Africa and beyond, underscoring its global appeal.
Although Cameroonians have historically dominated the podium, foreign athletes have previously made their mark. British runners Walter Stifter and Mike Short were among early international winners in the men’s category, while Colombia’s Fabiola Rueda and Britain’s Sally Goldsmith claimed victories in the women’s race in past editions. Their successes helped cement the event’s reputation as an open and highly competitive international mountain race.
This year’s women’s field features accomplished names such as Ngalim Lisette Nerila, Kitan Mildred and Ngwaya Yvonne. Lisette Ngalim returns as defending champion after winning last year’s senior women’s title. In the men’s race, Usheni Hassan will look to defend the crown he secured in the previous edition.
Attention will also focus on legendary figure Sarah Liengu Etonge, widely celebrated as the “Queen of the Mountain.” A seven-time senior women’s champion and record holder, Etonge is set to compete in the women’s veterans category, adding further prestige to this year’s event.
With the final list now confirmed, Buea prepares to host another dramatic chapter in the history of the Mount Cameroon Race of Hope — a competition that blends elite endurance sport with national pride and international diversity.
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