Bridging Sport, Heritage: Organizers Celebrate Inaugural Yaoundé Cultural Marathon

Following the successful staging of the inaugural Yaoundé Cultural Marathon on July 18, 2026, the organizing committee convened in Yaounde after for a formal debriefing and evaluation meeting. During the session, the marathon’s vision bearer, Afowiri Kizito Fondzenyuy - globally acclaimed as the "Toghu Marathoner" - expressed profound gratitude to the technical, security, medical, and communication teams, as well as volunteers, for their selfless commitment and professionalism.

Feat Under Tight Deadlines

Addressing the international media platform OtownGist Media, Fondzenyuy revealed that planning and staging a maiden marathon on new terrain presented significant administrative and technical challenges. Particularly given that the entire event was organized in just two months.

"This event was planned in two months," Fondzenyuy shared.

"When I look at the amount of work the team has put in and what we have been able to achieve, it makes me realize that the next edition will be wonderful. I can’t believe that I’m standing here in my own country and I’m running in the Toghu, where the Toghu came from. I have run around the world representing our country in this attire, and I’m bringing this back home. To me, it’s an amazing feat."

The Marathon Proper

On Saturday, July 18, 2026, the esplanade of the National Museum in Yaoundé became the epicenter of an unprecedented national celebration. As hundreds of runners, traditional dancers, and spectators gathered for the inaugural Yaoundé Cultural Marathon. Designed as a pioneering sports and cultural festival, the event was established to promote national unity. Celebrate Cameroon’s rich cultural diversity, and foster social inclusion through physical fitness.

The marathon was conceived, funded, and spearheaded by Afowiri Kizito Fondzenyuy - globally acclaimed as the "Toghu Marathoner," - a Guinness World Record holder, and an Abbott World Marathon Majors Six-Star finisher. Having run marathons across all seven continents in his iconic traditional Toghu attire, Fondzenyuy brought his international journey home to Cameroon. To demonstrate how patriotism, sport, and diaspora re-investment can converge to inspire a nation.

Institutional Support

The initiative received key backing from national sports and cultural institutions, including the Ministry of Arts and Culture, the management of the National Museum, and the Cameroon Athletics Federation through its Centre Regional Athletics League. Speaking at the debriefing session, Charles Kouoh Kotte, Secretary General of the Cameroon Athletics Federation, commended the organizing committee for creating history under tight time constraints:

"I wish to congratulate everyone from the technical, security, medical, and communication committee for making history," Kouoh Kotte stated. "Unlike other races the Federation organizes, this one sought to promote social cohesion through physical fitness, healthy living, cultural celebration, and sports for all, not limited only to professionals."

Heritage Symbolism

The strategic choice to start and finish the marathon at the National Museum held deep symbolic resonance. Etta Ojang Ivan, Deputy Director of the National Museum, personally handed medals to successful runners at the finish line. And urged the organizers to make full use of the venue for future editions. He reminded the public that the National Museum serves as a repository of Cameroon’s collective history and belongs to all citizens.

Explaining the venue choice, Fondzenyuy noted: "The choice of the National Museum as the marathon's start and finish hub was deliberate. Its profound symbolism helps display Cameroon’s diverse ethnic identities which we are all called to harness and boost our country's cultural tourism industry."

Inclusive Health

Beyond its athletic dimension, the high mark of the festival was an Inclusive Walk from the National Museum to the Lac Municipal and back. The walk provided a platform for special-needs groups and marginalized communities to participate alongside mainstream athletes.

Participating organizations included the "Maison Bleue de Julien" Autism Centre, advocating for autism awareness, inclusive education, and special-needs support. The Centre des Jeunes Aveugles Réhabilités du Cameroun (CJARC), led by Dr. Coco Bertin, representing visually impaired and blind participants. The Association pour la promotion des Albinos au Cameroun (APAC). And wheelchair athletes and physically challenged participants navigating on crutches.

Social Advocacy

This social dimension directly aligns with national efforts to expand equitable access to education and social services for children with disabilities. While creating entrepreneurship and volunteer opportunities for women and youth.

Full Race Results

Over 200 registered runners competed across three main distances, featuring participants ranging from young children to elderly runners in full traditional regalia.

10km Category

In the premier 10km event, Tchoupteng T. Franck claimed the men's victory with a time of 34:41.67. While international competitor, Jepkoech Marion of Kenya, secured the women's title at 37:53.61. On the men's podium, Tchoupteng T. Franck came first after 34:41.67; second, Rutto Matheu Kip...