Cameroon: The Mount Cameroon Race ‘Race of Hope’ is set to organise on Saturday, Feb 24, 2024, in Buea. Approximately 602 athletes will participate in the race including 32 international competitors.
The Mount Cameroon Race is historically known as the Guinness Mount Cameroon Race, which was started back in 1973. It became a major sporting event and tourist attraction then.
The annual event is locally known as the ‘Race of Hope’, symbolising resilience and perseverance, especially relevant in the current climate.
The 2024 race event facing issues with ongoing security concerns following the last year’s bombings and the Anglophone crisis. The security concerns are dependent on the deep significance for local communities.
Reportedly, the Buea administrative authorities recently convened to address the security measures. It followed last year’s tragic bombing in which more than 16 people got injured and led to one fatality.
The separatists are associated with the Anglophone crisis and have banned public government events.
As per the reports, it is confirmed that the second security meeting is currently underway in Buea to address the issues that were not dealt with during the first meeting.
Despite facing all these challenges, officials are assured of a ‘hitch-free’ event that outlines the implemented security measures.
However, the lingering concerns will remain amongst the participants and spectators which will be alike. Moreover, the local community will hopefully conduct a peaceful race. It also sees this as an opportunity to make unity and showcase resilience.
The Athletes have heightened the preparation for the Mt Cameroon Race and have also announced the Mt Cameroon Race of Hope to be held on Feb 29, 2024.
Earlier, some 205 athletes took off on Jan 20, 2024, in the morning, which began from the Molyko Omnisport Stadium in Buea, for a test race ahead of the upcoming Mt Cameroon Race of Hope.
Considering the same, the President of the Cameroon Athletics Federation – Emmanuel Motombi Mbome has kicked off the signal in preparations for the 29th edition of Mt Cameroon Race of Hope slated for Feb 24, 2024 in Buea.
For the President, it is a commitment of all stakeholders to make the 2024 edition a big success a priority.