Mt. Cameroon race: Hamadu Ibrahim, Wirba Mary Grace emerge winners.

The 2026 edition of the race took place Saturday February 21, 2026 in Buea, Fako Division in the South West Region.  

According to statistics from the Cameroon Athletics Federation, FECAATHLETICS, over 600 athletes from 14 countries, including Cameroon, took part in the race.

The over 600 athletes included 70 senior women, 270 senior men, 34 junior women, and 107 junior men, with the majority being Cameroonians. 

Wirba Mary Grace, a teacher at Government Secondary School, GSS Kiyan in Bui Division of the North West Region, and an assistant referee in Guinness Super League, the women’s top tier, claimed victory in the senior women's category. 

Wirba achieved the feat within 5 hours, 22 minutes, and 11 seconds. 

She pocketed a cash prize of 10 million FCFA plus sponsor awards. 

Njeyang Sydony came second in five hours, 24 minutes and eight seconds. 

For her part, five-time winner, Tatah Carine, completed the marathon in five hours, 30 minutes and 18 seconds. 

Wirba Grace emerged champion in her second participation in the senior category, after three months of dedicated preparation. 

Speaking to journalists after the race, she described the event as intensely challenging, yet, "destined," adding that she plans to relax before deciding how to use her earnings from the race. 

In the senior men's category, Hamadu Bi Ibrahim, representing the Afeum-Alah Athletics Club of Awing, in Mezam Division, North West Region, dominated with a winning time of 4 hours, 24 minutes, and 42 seconds. 

He finished well over ten minutes before the runner-up, Gabsibuin Evarette Webgong, who ran the race in 4 hours, 36 minutes, 28 seconds.

For his part, Adamu Issa Buba came third, after completing the marathon in 4 hours, 39 minutes, 39 seconds.

Ibrahim bagged home a 10 million FCFA cash prize, plus sponsor awards. 

This year was Ibrahim's third attempt at the race, having previously come on the 9th and 7th positions. 

He credited hard training and focus as his keys to success, noting the descent posed his main challenges while the ascent felt manageable.

The event saw strong local engagement, with hundreds of spectators lining major junctions and streets of Buea to cheer athletes. 

It was one of the largest turnouts since the Anglophone crisis began in 2016. 

Participants came from Cameroon and the Central African Republic, CAR, Congo, Chad, Costa Rica, France, Germany, Kenya, Mali, Morocco, Nigeria, South Africa, Switzerland, Tunisia, and Uganda. 

The participation of the countries gave the race a vibrant international dimension.

Speaking at the close of the annual event, the Minister of Sports and Physical Education, MINSEP, Prof Narcisse Mouelle Kombi, praised the race's growing global profile. 

The sport boss commended the hitch-free organisation, crediting collaboration among the ministries of defense, public health, and other stakeholders for ensuring safety and smooth execution.

Nation showcases huge cultural potential 

The 31st edition of the Mount Cameroon Race of Hope officially started with a vibrant celebration of Cameroon's rich cultural diversity. This was during the official launch of the marathon, held Friday February 20, 2026 in Buea. 

The opening ceremony, which held at the Molyko Omnisport Stadium, featured captivating performances by artists and cultural groups representing the country's four major cultural zones, including the Sawa, Sudano-Sahelian, Grassfield, and Fang-Beti. 

Dances, music, and traditional displays from these diverse Regions mesmerised guests, participants, tourists, and locals alike, setting an energetic tone for the race and underscoring the event's role as more than just a competition, but also a showcase of national heritage and unity.

The cultural festivities served as the "first bullet" in the buildup to the main event, where hundreds of athletes tackled the challenging 38–42 km ascent and descent of Mount Cameroon. 

Mt Cameroon, it should be said, is often called the "Chariot of the Gods," for its volcanic terrain, steep climbs, and unpredictable conditions.

FECAATHLETICS President, Motomby Mbome, addressed stakeholders during the ceremony, emphasising the event's growing international stature. 

He added that the federation is committed to professionalising the competition to properly reward athletes' dedication and hard work.

Presiding over the event, the Minister of Sports and Physical Education, Narcisse Mouelle Kombi, commended the performers for their "excellent portrayal of the cultural diversity of the country". 

Highlighting this year's theme, "Let's give peace a chance,", Prof Mouelle Kombi noted that it reflects sports' vital role in fostering peace, social cohesion, and national unity.

The minister also pointed to a promising sporting season for Cameroon, with athletes having secured 26 medals so far. 

He assured competitors that all necessary measures, including medical screenings, anti-doping protocols, and logistical preparations were implemented to guarantee a smooth, hitch-free and safe race worthy of its national and international reputation.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3712 of Monday February 23, 2026