During the 39-kilometer race in southwestern Cameroon, Kipsang started well, leading the race, but began to feel tired near the end. The 33-year-old had to stop briefly and was asked by organizers to get into an ambulance, but he refused. He drank some electrolyte water and continued running.
Kipsang at the finish line at Molyko Stadium on February 24. Photo: Mount Cameroon Race of Hope
Before his health problems, Kipsang was in a good position to win and make history as the first Kenyan to win the Mount Cameroon Race of Hope. Out of more than 500 runners, he was the first to reach the summit of the 4,095-meter mountain, the highest point in West Africa. The Kenyan dominated, holding the lead for about 4 hours and 20 minutes, before being overtaken near the finish line at Molyko Stadium.
The Mount Cameroon Race of Hope is an annual race held on Mount Cameroon in January or February. This year’s race saw more than 550 athletes from 11 countries taking part in all categories, including senior and secondary men’s and women’s races and relays.
No Kenyan or foreign athlete has been able to climb to the podium at the Mount Cameroon Race of Hope since Chelimo Luka Kipemoi won bronze in 2018. Kipsang finished sixth at the Mount Cameroon Race of Hope in 2020.
In the men's category this year, Elvis Nsabinla won with a time of 4 hours 47 minutes 4 seconds. Following him were Amadou Abdu with 4 hours 47 minutes 5 seconds and Saidu Nuhu Yerima with 4 hours 49 minutes 4 seconds.
In the women's category, Irine Adamu won with a time of 5:36:03, two minutes ahead of Tum Macrina. Ngalim Lizette came in third with a time of 5:52:09.
Hong Duy
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