As Buea prepares to host the 31st edition of the Mount Cameroon Race of Hope on February 21, 2026, attention is firmly fixed on one name — Mofor Jeremiah. The young athlete from Dibanda Mile 14 has dominated recent test races, but the big question remains: can he convert that form into victory on race day and become the first Fako-born man to win the main event in nearly four decades?
Mofor Jeremiah first drew public attention during the 29th Mount Cameroon Test Race in January 2024, where he finished second after a determined climb to the summit. Since then, he has steadily built his reputation. This year marks the third consecutive time he has topped the test race, proving his consistency and endurance on the mountain.
The Mount Cameroon Race of Hope, launched in 1973, has grown into one of Cameroon’s most celebrated sporting events. Initially sponsored by Guinness and known as the Guinness Mount Cameroon Race, the competition quickly became an annual tradition following the success of its maiden edition. John Ekema, a Fako native, claimed the first title in a time of 5 hours and 7 minutes, inspiring many local athletes to take up the challenge.
Over the years, the event expanded beyond regional participation and began attracting international competitors. Among its historic champions was British-born athlete Stifter Walter, who made headlines by winning three consecutive titles between 1978 and 1985.
The race also experienced structural changes in the early 1990s when the finishing point was relocated from the Buea Town Stadium to the Molyko Omnisport Stadium, symbolizing a new era.
Despite early dominance by Fako athletes in the men’s category, competitors from the North West Region have controlled the race for decades. Reginald Esuka remains the last Fako-born man to lift the trophy, achieving the feat in 1988. Since then, the title has eluded local male athletes.
The women’s division, introduced in 1982, tells a different story. Fako has celebrated several champions, including Mojoko Ngondja, Njie Awelisane, Embelle Efonge, and the legendary Sarah Liengu Etonge, who remains one of the most recognized figures in the competition’s history.
Today, preparations for the 2026 edition are in full swing. Approximately 650 athletes from across Cameroon and neighboring countries are expected to compete. During the recent selection test race, Mofor Jeremiah once again finished first in the men’s category, ahead of Johannes Moka and Fiemoh Vitalis. In the women’s test event, Fai Joyce secured back-to-back victories, with Lenjo Zalihatu and Chiebe Laura following closely behind.
This year’s test race stood out because organizers introduced a cash reward of 100,000 FCFA for winners in both male and female categories, alongside trophies, to encourage stronger participation.
The event is currently overseen by local organizing committees in partnership with the Cameroon Athletics Federation and the Ministry of Sports and Physical Education, following the transition from Guinness sponsorship in 2005.
