Cameroonian athlete Wirba Mary Grace has won the Senior Female Category of the 2026 Mount Cameroon Race of Hope, completing the demanding mountain race in 5 hours and 15 minutes.
Grace finished ahead of Njeyang Sydony Bonwi, who placed second, and Tatah Carine, who came third in the women’s senior competition.
The annual race, often described as one of Africa’s most challenging endurance events, requires athletes to climb and descend Mount Cameroon, testing both stamina and resilience.
Speaking after her victory, Grace described the moment as the culmination of years of persistence on the mountain.
“After many years of climbing and descending Mount Cameroon, finally crossing the finish line as the senior female champion means a lot to me,” she said.
Grace had previously competed in the junior category for several years before eventually winning it in 2015. She finished fourth in the senior category in 2025, making her 2026 victory a significant breakthrough.
This year’s race carried an additional meaning for the athlete, who competed under Team Toghu Marathoner while promoting autism awareness and inclusive education for children living with neurodiversity.
“Running with that purpose in my heart made every step on the mountain feel different,” she said.
The runner also highlighted how the race symbolised perseverance and collective support throughout her career.
“Mount Cameroon has taught me many lessons, but the greatest one is that every step forward matters.”
The Mount Cameroon Race of Hope, held annually in the southwest of the country, attracts elite athletes from across Cameroon and beyond.
