Mount Cameroon Race: Runners To Kiss Track Tomorrow
Elizabeth MOSIMA
#Sports
The renowned race on the second tallest mountain in Africa will take place on Saturday, February 23, 2019 in Buea capital of the South West Region.
The Sports and Physical Education Minister, Narcisse Mouelle Kombi, will be expected to launch the 2019 Mount Cameroon Race of Hope today afternoon in Buea, capital of the South West Region. The launching event will pull the regional administration headed by the South West Governor, Benard Okalia Bilai, traditional rulers of Buea and the anxious population. The Bakweri Chiefs will lead a traditional libation on the Omnisports Stadium ground.
Medical tests for athletes took place yesterday February 21, 2019 at the Buea Omnisports Stadium with emphasis on the heart, lungs and related organs that propel physical performance. Amid security threats due to the current unrest in the two Anglophone Regions of Cameroon, the 24th edition of Mount Cameroon Race of hope will rumble on from 7:00 a.m. tomorrow, February 23, 2019.
The spectators at the starting block, (Buea Omnisports Stadium in Molyko), will cheer athletes on 19km up the chariots of God and the same distance back totaling 38km of sustained fastest heart-beats. It is a challenge that drains the body dry of its sweat. Authorities of the Athletics Federation have hinted the participation of some 500 runners already registered for the race. Among them would be some 26 foreigners to kiss the Chariots of God. Test races were organised within and without to ensure the fitness of the athletes.
The erstwhile euphoria of the event has dwindled in descending years worsened by the mounting insecurity and so impoverishing the publicity around Mount Cameroon Race that has existed for over two decades.
Prizes will range from FCFA10 Million for each of the male and female winners who will lift the trophies, the seconds will bag FCFA 7 million each, and the thirds will receive FCFA 5 million each. In addition, there will be other material gifts and all registered runners will each earn FCFA 10.000 for participation.