The inaugural Yaounde Cultural Marathon launched on Saturday, 18 July 2026, at the Esplanade of the National Museum, brought together hundreds of runners, performers, and spectators.
Conceived by Guinness World Record holder Afowiri Fondzenyuy, known as the “Toghu Marathoner”, the event celebrated Cameroon’s rich cultural diversity alongside physical fitness. Over 200 registered athletes participated across three distinct race categories, with many runners competing in traditional attire to represent their heritage.
The choice of the National Museum as the starting and finishing hub served a vital purpose for the event’s broader mission. According to Fondzenyuy, who previously donated his record-breaking Toghu gear and Abbott World Marathon Majors Six-Star Medal to the museum in July 2025, the venue symbolizes the country’s shared history. Organizers aimed to leverage this cultural hub to highlight ethnic identities and strengthen Cameroon’s growing cultural tourism sector.
Beyond standard competition, the event placed a heavy emphasis on community accessibility through an inclusive walk to Municipal Lake and back. Participants represented several disability advocacy organizations, including the Maison Bleue de Julien Autism Centre, the Centre des Jeunes Aveugles Réhabilités du Cameroun – CJARC, the Association pour la Promotion des Albinos au Cameroun – APAC, and wheelchair users. The initiative championed autism awareness, inclusive education, and equal opportunity for vulnerable groups.
Competitive races saw strong performances across all divisions. In the flagship 10km Cultural Race, Franck T. Tchoupteng took first place for the men in 34:41.67, while Marion Jepkoech claimed the women’s title in 37:53.61. The 5km Cultural Run was won by Zakariyahu Ibrahim (20:14.84) and Otomo Mendouga (23:48.75), while Duval Tchoula Tesso and Ashely Mbong Alangha won the boys’ and girls’ 2km Children’s Fun Run, respectively. Special awards were also presented for Best Traditional Outfit and top inclusive participants.
Officials praised the event’s unique focus on community building rather than purely professional athletics. Secretary General of the Cameroon Athletics Federation, Charles Kouoh Kotte, highlighted that unlike typical federation races, this marathon actively fostered social cohesion and healthy living for the general public. Organizers envision expanding the marathon into a week-long festival to attract regional, diaspora, and international visitors in future editions.
Building on Fondzenyuy’s recent milestone of completing a marathon on his seventh continent in February 2026 at Kilimanjaro, the Yaoundé Cultural Marathon establishes a new model for sports diplomacy in Cameroon. By linking athletic accomplishment with national heritage and social causes, the event aims to inspire youth participation, diaspora investment, and inclusive civic pride for years to come.
