2K Children’s Fun Run
The shortest distance created some of the biggest moments. Children received their own challenge, their own medal and their own reason to feel proud.
It Started at The National Museum.
Then the City Joined In.
The morning began with nervous children, focused athletes, busy volunteers and families waiting to see what this new race would become.
Then the runners moved.
The course carried them through central Yaoundé, past government buildings, sporting landmarks and the Reunification Monument before bringing them back to the National Museum.
Drums, colour, traffic control, cheering and effort all became part of the same morning.
Yaoundé wasn’t simply the background.
Yaoundé was part of the race.
THE FIRST EDITION, AT A GLANCE
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Inclusive Participants
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THERE WASN’T JUST ONE WAY TO BELONG ON THE ROAD.
Some came to compete. Some came to finish. Some came with their children. Others came because they finally saw a public sporting event making room for them.
5K Cultural Run
A welcoming distance for families, fitness groups, first-time runners and competitors with something to prove.
10K Cultural Run
The day’s main competitive test, bringing together experienced athletes, recreational runners and international participants.
Inclusive Run and Walk
A visible place for neurodivergent participants, people with disabilities, families and caregivers.
Experience
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Yaoundé
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Culture
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Tourism
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Beauty
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africa
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FOUR YEARS OLD.
TWO KILOMETRES.
NO SHORTCUTS.
Zahra Fondzenyuy didn’t need a big speech.
She put on her bib, joined the 2K Children’s Fun Run, kept moving and crossed the finish line at just four years old.
Her first race. Her first medal. Her first place in the story of the Yaoundé Cultural Marathon.
Hopefully, the first of many.
THE FIRST BENCHMARKS
THE FIRST WINNING TIMES ARE NOW ON THE CLOCK
Every race needs a first set of names and times.
These runners became the inaugural category leaders of the Yaoundé Cultural Marathon and gave future participants something real to chase.
Children’s 2K Boys — Tchouala Tesso Duval Esdras — 6:36.90
Children’s 2K Girls — Wirba Destiny Landji — 7:42.86
5K Men — Zakariyahu Ibrahim — 20:14.84
5K Women — Otomo Mendouga — 23:48.75
10K Men — Tchoupteng T. Franck — 34:41.67
10K Women — Jepkoech Marion — 37:53.61
The first champions didn’t only win their races. They placed the first marks on the clock—the times the next field will return to challenge.
These runners became the inaugural category leaders of the Yaoundé Cultural Marathon and gave future participants something real to chase.
Children’s 2K Boys — Tchouala Tesso Duval Esdras — 6:36.90
Children’s 2K Girls — Wirba Destiny Landji — 7:42.86
5K Men — Zakariyahu Ibrahim — 20:14.84
5K Women — Otomo Mendouga — 23:48.75
10K Men — Tchoupteng T. Franck — 34:41.67
10K Women — Jepkoech Marion — 37:53.61
The first champions didn’t only win their races. They placed the first marks on the clock—the times the next field will return to challenge.
A Homecoming for Diaspora Families. A Race Experience for International Runners.
International runners can find a 5K or 10K almost anywhere.
What they cannot find everywhere is a race that begins at the National Museum
and brings Yaoundé’s culture, food, fashion, music and community into the same
weekend.
For diaspora families, it is a reason to come home, bring the children and
experience Cameroon together.
For international runners, it is a chance to discover the city beyond the
course.
You will not leave with only a medal.
You will leave with a story.
The next edition is being developed to give diaspora families and international runners clearer information and more support before they arrive in Yaoundé.
- ✓ Early international registration
- ✓ Family registration options
- ✓ Assisted hotel reservations
- ✓ Airport-transfer options
- ✓ Flexible race-kit collection
- ✓ Museum and city experiences
- ✓ Diaspora welcome activities
- ✓ Post-race family celebration
run with us,
JOIN
the Festival!
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Cultural Marathon
music, fashion, and storytelling -
Inclusive & Diverse
elders, youth, and persons with disabilities -
Global Connections
Links with international organizations
Why This Matters
Cultural Marathon
The Yaoundé Cultural Marathon (YCM) is not just about distance and speed — it is a cultural journey on the move.
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Inclusive by Design
The Yaoundé Cultural Marathon (YCM) was created with one powerful principle: no one should be left out.
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Festival Spirit
The Yaoundé Cultural Marathon (YCM) is not only about running — it is about celebration, identity, and joy.
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Global Connections
The Yaoundé Cultural Marathon (YCM) is not only a national festival — it is also a global platform.
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Tourism, Economy Impact
A driver of growth and opportunity
- 5B CFA yearly revenue
- 5,000+ direct jobs
- 15,000+ indirect jobs
- 40,000 runners by 2034
( 0 / 40,000 runners )
Social, Cultural Benefits
A festival of unity and inclusion
- Unity across 10 regions
- Autism awareness
- Inclusive education
- Women, youth & disability inclusion
( 0 / 195 Countries )
What Makes US Unique?
- Cultural Marathon: A race infused with masquerades, drumming, storytelling, food, and fashion.
- Inclusive by Design: Categories for marathoners, fun runners, elders, youth, and persons with disabilities.
- Festival Atmosphere: Beyond the run—live performances, craft markets, and cultural exhibitions.
- Global Connections: Linking Cameroon to diaspora networks and international cultural partners.
- Purpose & Impact: Boosts tourism, creative industries, and supports autism awareness & inclusive education.
Be part of history as Cameroon hosts the first-ever Cultural Marathon in the world.
Whether as a runner, volunteer, sponsor, or cultural performer — your place is here.
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& Articles
Our Sponsors & Partners
The Yaoundé Cultural Marathon is powered by the trust and support of organizations that believe in unity, culture, and impact. Together, we are building more than a race — we are shaping a national festival of identity and opportunity.
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The Yaoundé Cultural Marathon (YCM) is a groundbreaking festival that unites sport, culture, and community. It is the first marathon in the world designed not only as a race but as a living cultural celebration — where runners, artists, musicians, and communities come together to showcase the best of Cameroon.
Contact Info
- Rue Eglise Saint Marc, Opposite Saint Joseph. Biyemassi, Rond Point Express, Yaoundé, Cameroon
- +1 (281) 728-6247, +237 79139635
- info@runyaounde.com
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