Barely hours to tomorrow’s 16th edition of this year’s Race of Hope, the host town of Buea, is witnessing significant changes. The Race of Hope this year awaits 577 Cameroonians and 33 foreign athletes to brave Mount Cameroon dubbed the "Chariot of the gods". The race course, like in previous years, is from the Molyko stadium to the summit and back. The different categories include Senior in relay and individual participation, for both male and female; junior category for boys and girls; and, Veteran runners for both male and female categories. The first three winners in the senior category will receive FCFA three million, two million and one million respectively for both male and female runners. Overall participation earns F10.000 per runner.
Early yesterday, the South West Regional Athletics League President, Motomby Mbome Emmanuel and staff members toured Buea. After ensuring hotel reservation in Buea-based hotels, they later moved to the Molyko Omnisport Stadium, host venue for the start and finish of the race. The tour ended at the Buea Regional Hospital Annex, where the medical tests for short listed athletes is being done.
Prior to this, other preparatory measures had been carried out. The first preparatory meeting for the race was held on Monday January 24; while a second and third followed both on Tuesday February 22 in Buea at the Governor’s Office and at the Youth and Animation Center. The first meeting was aimed at outlining strategies for a hitch-free race. While, the second and third had the evaluation of grounds covered as their objective. This was equally marked by a series of visits to Buea by the Cameroon National Athletics Federation President, Jacques Sebastien Mbous.
At press time, the road from Upper Farms to the Summit had been cleared and demarcated. Same with the Molyko Stadium that hosts the start and finish of the race, amidst other related activities. For several days now, banners have been flying the streets of Buea, posters pasted on bill posts here and there, announcing the upcoming event. Radio slots, aimed at stirring awareness in the local population, have also been in vogue. The major catalyst of the race was a national test race qualifier, hosted in all 10 regions. Buea saw the participation of over 129 contestants during its Sunday January 23 test race.
Amidst collective and individual efforts in the race’s preparation, one major set back is the late disbursement of funds to committees. The South West Regional Athletics Bureau reported that funds were still being awaited.
