By Boris Esono
Sportswriter, Kick442.com-Cameroon
For the third consecutive year, Mofor Jeremiah has emerged as the winner of the Mount Cameroon Test Race in the senior men’s category, reaffirming his status as one of the mountain’s most consistent performers. In the senior women’s category, Fai Joyce also continued her fine run of form, clinching victory for the second year in a row as more than 200 athletes took part in the pre-selection race on Saturday, January 24, in Buea.
The race, which officially kicked off at about 7:49 a.m., was flagged off by the President of the Cameroon Athletics Federation, Emmanuel Motomby Mbome, in the presence of the President of the South West Regional League of Athletics, Eteki Andrew Njoh. Athletes set off from the Molyko Omnisports Stadium, battling steep ascents and treacherous terrain up to the Intermediate Hut before making the demanding return journey.
Mofor Jeremiah, popularly known as the “Mile 14 Boy,” wins the Mount Cameroon Test Race for the third consecutive year in the senior men’s category
Hat-Trick for Jeremiah as Joyce Defends Crown
After a gruelling contest that tested endurance, balance and mental strength, Jeremiah, popularly known as the “Mile 14 Boy”, once again proved his mastery of the mountain. He crossed the finish line in 2 hours, 21 minutes and 18 seconds to claim first place. Johanes Moka followed in second position with a time of 2 hours, 25 minutes and 24 seconds, while Fiemoh Vitalis completed the podium, finishing third in 2 hours, 27 minutes and 34 seconds.
In the senior women’s category, defending champion Fai Joyce successfully retained her crown, stopping the clock at 3 hours, 9 minutes and 44 seconds. She was followed by Lenjo Zalihatu, the 2023 Mount Cameroon Test Race winner, who finished second in 3 hours, 44 minutes and 23 seconds. Chiebe Laura rounded off the top three with a time of 3 hours, 51 minutes and 3 seconds.
One of the major highlights of this year’s Test Race was the introduction of cash prizes, an innovation designed to boost participation and competitiveness. Winners in both the senior male and senior female categories received 100,000 FCFA each, including a trophy. Second-place finishers went home with 75,000 FCFA, while third-place athletes earned 50,000 FCFA, also accompanied by trophies.
Fai Joyce powers through the rocky terrain to retain her Mount Cameroon Test Race title
Speaking to the media after his victory, Jeremiah expressed gratitude and optimism ahead of the main race.
I am happy to have been victorious again. As you can see, I am holding a medal and a cup,” he said. “I want to appreciate the organisers and everyone who took part in the race. I thank them.”
With the main race coming up on February 21, Jeremiah added,
I just pray that God gives me the strength. I am used to winning this selection race, and I believe I can use that strength to win the main race. With God, all things are possible.”
For Fai Joyce, the Test Race was another important step in preparation for February’s main event. She noted that while the climb itself was manageable, the descent posed the greatest challenge.
Going up is not a big problem, but coming down is the issue,” she explained, citing the rocky and slippery nature of the track.
On what she needs to do to succeed in the main race, Joyce emphasised health and recovery.
I need to check on my health because it is all about training. I need to take good care of myself and make sure there is nothing that will hinder me before the main race,” she said.
Cash Prizes Boost Competition
South West Regional President for Athletics, Eteki Andrew Njoh, expressed satisfaction with the organisation and turnout for the Test Race.
As you can see for yourself, I am a pleased man today,” he said. We registered about 204 athletes who went up to challenge the gods of Mount Cameroon. From these athletes, we are going to pre-select the very best who will challenge the mountain on the 21st of February.”
Njoh also praised partners who supported the event, including MTN, Groove and Cosmo, adding that the race ended without major incidents. He highlighted the introduction of cash prizes as a significant innovation. “For the past 10 years, we have not seen this. Today, we are rewarding athletes with cash prizes and trophies, and we hope this will continue,” he said, adding that the initiative was funded entirely at the regional level without government assistance.
Addressing concerns raised by some athletes about the condition of the track, Njoh acknowledged the challenges and assured that measures would be taken ahead of the main race. He noted ongoing discussions with the Mount Cameroon Park authorities on how best to clear the route to ensure safer conditions for athletes.
With the Test Race now concluded, attention shifts to the Mount Cameroon Race of Hope scheduled for February 21. About 650 athletes from Cameroon and beyond are expected to compete. Ahead of the race proper, an International Trade Fair will run from February 10 to March 8, 2026, adding a cultural and economic dimension to the event.
Authorities say the fair will serve as a platform to mobilise the population and showcase the region’s economic and cultural potential, culminating on March 8 in celebration of female athletes participating in the race.
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