Mount Cameroon Race of Hope: Three-time winner bounces back

Over 700 Athletes from five different countries crossed the finish line



The 2008 edition of the Mount Cameroon race of hope is now History. Over 700 Athletes from six Countries (Belgium, France, Nigeria, USA, Germany and Cameroon) took part in the race which took place on Sunday 17th February 2008, in the South West Provincial capital of Buea-Cameroon. This year witnessed an increase in the number of athletes, against 525 year.

The race which is a yearly event was run in three main categories ; Junior, between 17 and 19 years, senior, 19 years and above, and Veterans which had the oldest runner Tchapda Huber born in 1942.

At the end of the day three time winner Ngongah Pongah Charles, came in the first position after by –passing his main rival (Bonkiyung Januariouse) by few steps to the finish line. He had been first in the year 2002, 2003 and 2004. Two time winner Bonkiyung Januariouse, came in second, meanwhile three time winner (1999, 2000, 2001) Shai Kongnyui Roland, who scrolled to the finish line last year, came in third.

In the female category, last years winner, Ngawang Catherine, came in first, followed by seven time winner, 41-year-old mother of seven, Sarah Liengu Etonge, aka "Queen of the mountain", while little known Ngalim Lizeth Nalima, came in third.

Equally, the winners in both male and female categories bagged home CFA 3million each, against CFA 2million and CFA 1million for the second and third respectively

The relay was championed by the Cameroon 1 team, followed by Milano athletic team, from Kumbo, and Athletic Club of West Province.

Prior to the event athletes were screened on HIV/AIDS, and vaccinated against Malaria, and Tetanus.

Other activities to crown this years event included; choral and musical concerts, Catch, Carting, Roller Skating, dancing, mobile caravan and a “Miss Race of Hope”

Courtesy - Harry Ndienla Yemti