The 31st edition of the Mount Cameroon Race of Hope, held on 21st February 2026 in Buea, came with a number of notable innovations that set it apart from previous editions.
For the very first time, the top three finishers in both the men’s and women’s categories of the Test Race received trophies and cash prizes — a novelty aimed at spurring excellence among local athletes. Champions received 100,000 FCFA, runners-up 75,000 FCFA, and third-place finishers 50,000 FCFA. This had not been done in over a decade.
On the global front of 600 athletes were officially cleared to compete across six categories, with 588 Cameroonian runners and 22 foreign athletes representing 13 countries including Nigeria, France, Germany, South Africa, Kenya, and Costa Rica reflecting a remarkable expansion in global reach.
The return of the International Trade Fair, running from 10th February to 8th March 2026, was also reintroduced as a platform to mobilise the population and showcase the economic and cultural potential of the South West Region, culminating on 8th March in celebration of female athletes.
Behind the scenes, a significant environmental dispute arose when conservation authorities at the Mount Cameroon National Park halted the traditional burning of the trail, citing ecological concerns forcing organisers to find alternative means of clearing the race track. This sparked wider conversations about balancing cultural tradition with environmental sustainability going forward.
Finally, high-level government involvement was a defining feature of this edition, with the Minister of Sports convening a strategic preparatory meeting bringing together security chiefs, administrative authorities, and federation officials to ensure the race met its expected international standards.
