Race of Hope 2018: Gabsibuin beats icons to a 4th title

The 23rd Mount Cameroon race of hope, run on Saturday February 17, 2018, in Buea, was an edition of records. A foreign athlete from Kenya called Chelimo Luka finished in the top three for the first time since 1990, while men’s winner, Godlove Gabsibuin, became the first athlete to win four titles.

By bagging home the race trophy four times, Mr Gabsibuin has challenged three-time winners namely: Tatah Dzever Thomas, Stifter Walter, Konyuy Shey Joseph, and Gongang Pongha Charles.

A new champion, Tatah Carine-the daughter of former hero Tatah Thomas, was also discovered in women’s senior race.

Prior to the race of hope, one of Cameroon’s famous sporting festivals, the momentum was dampened by the Anglophone crisis, suspicion and uncertainty reigned supreme.

But when the hour came, noisy spectators, heart-warming commentaries and escort riders compelled hundreds to abandon their activities for the race track.

The energetic Godlove Gabsibuin and Tatah Carine, both from the North West Region of Cameroon, thrilled throngs of excited onlookers from Upper Farms, through the Governor’s Office, Bongo Square, down to the Molyko Omnisport stadium.

Godlove Gabsibuin crossed the finish line ahead of 2017 champion, Fai Elvis Ndze-dzenyuy and Kenyan born Chelimo Luka.

“When I got to the summit, I did not that someone was in front of me. The controller at the summit told me that the Kenyan was leading, and that if I let it happen the disgrace will come to us Cameroonians. That is when I decided to challenge him”, Godlove Gabsibuin said.

Tatah Carine, the daughter of 3-time winner Tatah Dzever Thomas, introduced herself in spectacular fashion, crossing the finish line seconds ahead of 2014 and 2017 heroine, Ngalim Lizette. 

In an interview with last year’s heroine, Ngalim Lizette, she said Carine outsmarted her on their way down the sporadic volcano. She said she was frequently losing stamina and had to slow down her speed to avoid crashing.

In the same light, Wirngo Kpufanla Brenda must be disappointed with a 3rd bronze medal having occupied the same 3rd position in 2015 and 2017. 

Talking to Volcanic Sports, the national president of athletics, Motombi Emmanuel Mbome, said:

“Mike Short had promised coming but because of health reasons we could not get him here today. But I promise you may be he is going to come in the next edition. 

“To organize a competition of this magnitude and you end up with this huge success, it means that the gods are with you. 2019 is going to be a wonderful year for us. As you could see, for the past years we have not really had sponsors, but they have started coming”, Mr Motombi rattled some more.

Asked to say something about the Kenyan who came 3rd in the senior male division, the President said:

“That is the best thing that ever happened. If you organize an international competition and only nationals win, I feel guilty. Today I am going to sleep very happily. When you term something international, and you see an international or a foreigner who wins, it means that there was competition. And we have to put an eye on that Kenyan, given that he was going to the summit for the first time.”

2016 champion from Lebialem, Ndonge Simplice, arrived in the 11th position. It was however an improvement because he finished 14th last year. Mr Simplice was not happy that his fellow South West runner and 2017 second runner up, Essombe Lyong, had been pinned down by an attack that virtually took away his life.

“The race was not easy for me because when ascending I felt so tired. I didn’t know what was happening. I arrived the summit tenth feeling really tired. I don’t know what the problem was, may old age…I want to attempt the race two more times before I retire.”

In terms of organization, Mr Simplice said:

“The number of athletes this year was too small. The organization was not as good as last year. Last year, before 1 pm on the eve of the race we had had out t-shirts. But this year we had to queue up for long hours from the morning to about 5 pm in the evening, which was not good for athletes.”

The 23rd Mount Cameroon race of hope was presided at by the Minister of Sports and Physical Education, Dr Pierre Ishmael Bidoung Mpkatt. During his opening speech a day before, the Minister remembered the late Zachary Nkwo, the iconic sports commentator who was master of ceremony at the 22nd edition in 2017.

Generally, turnout was poor and potential athletes left complaining. Only 177 athletes were retained for the senior divisions, as compared to 395 in 2017. Officials claimed that other senior athletes failed medical tests.

2018 race winners:

Senior Men:

Godlove Gabsibuin 

Fai Elvis Ndze-dzenyuy 

Kenyan born Chelimo Luka.

Senior women:

Tatah Carine

Ngalim Lizette 

Wirngo Kpufanla Brenda 

Winners of junior race:

Men:

Saidou Souleman (16 years)

Saidou Yerima 

Abdul Sale Giwa

Women:

Fonyuy Larissa

Tata Basiratu

Jaff Ladifatou

Veterans 2018

Men:

Nyame Roland

Vishiti Paul

Muam Emmanuel

Women:

Nogha Brigitte

Mambi Vivian

Ge Immaculate Tayeh