Athletes from Cameroon’s five joint military regions gathered at the Military Stadium in Yaoundé on Tuesday, May 19, for the 14th edition of the military marathon, “Cross MINDEF.”
The event was launched at 6:00 a.m. by the Secretary General of the Ministry of Defence, Saïd Kamsouloum. Competitors ran 14.8 km in under-35 and over-35 categories, while participants with reduced mobility took part in a 2.8 km race and a 2 km walk.
The disability category was split into three groups: wheelchair users, athletes with lower-limb amputations, and those with upper-limb amputations. Moussa Digai and Sikamzie Rahim stood out in the men’s amputee race, completing the 2.8 km course. In the women’s disability category, Nga Fouda, Tsegui Kue, Ngoyegue Minette, and Bibeme Christine were among the finishers.
In the women’s under-35 race, Trainee Gendarme Mongo Mbape finished first, ahead of Sergeant Mboro Danielle and Second Class Soldier Belomo Ndzena. Corporal Umarou Mohamadou won the men’s category, followed by Private First Class Soldiers Fouba Nkemaï and Lawan Moussa.
Beyond the races, the event featured demonstrations in taekwondo, karate, bodybuilding, and traditional dances, showcasing the cultural diversity within the Defence Forces.
Trophies and medals were presented at the 101 Air Force Base by Minister Delegate at the Presidency in charge of Defence, Beti Assomo Joseph, and senior military officials. The 1st Joint Military Region received the overall top prize.
