What is the Yaoundé Culture Marathon?

August 6, 2025
by runyaounde
Marathons

A Celebration of Heritage, Unity, and Movement in the Heart of Cameroon

The Yaoundé Culture Marathon is not your typical race event. It’s a vibrant fusion of sport, culture, and national identity—designed to bring together Cameroonians from all walks of life in a non-competitive celebration of movement, tradition, and togetherness.

Scheduled to launch in 2026, the Yaoundé Culture Marathon is spearheaded by Afowiri Kizito Fondzenyuy, the Guinness World Record-holding Toghu Marathoner, in collaboration with cultural institutions and public authorities. This one-of-a-kind event promises to become one of Africa’s most colorful cultural gatherings, right in the heart of Cameroon’s capital city.

A Marathon That Runs Through Culture

Unlike traditional athletic marathons, the Yaoundé Culture Marathon is about participation, not competition. It invites runners, walkers, dancers, and cultural enthusiasts to take part in a series of festival-style races and parades dressed in traditional Cameroonian attire.

Participants will move along a scenic route that showcases Yaoundé’s urban beauty, historic landmarks, and cultural centers, culminating in a grand festival at the Yaoundé Conference Center. The finish line will host live music, traditional performances, art exhibitions, and a showcase of Cameroon’s culinary diversity.

Promoting Identity, Peace, and National Unity

At its core, the Yaoundé Culture Marathon aims to:

Celebrate Cameroonian culture through attire, language, dance, and tradition
Promote peace and national unity by bringing together participants from every region and background
Empower inclusive participation, welcoming all ages, abilities, and communities
Elevate cultural tourism, positioning Yaoundé as a global hub for heritage-focused experiences

By blending sport with storytelling, the event creates a platform where every step becomes a cultural expression, and every participant is part of a larger narrative about pride, belonging, and togetherness.

A Festival for All

The event will feature multiple race categories including:

Family Fun Walks
5K and 10K Celebration Runs
Cultural Processions and Dance Parades
Inclusive Races for People with Disabilities
International Toghu Run for diaspora and global culture lovers

Participants can join individually, as families, corporate teams, cultural groups, or schools. Everyone is encouraged to run in traditional attire, turning the entire city into a moving tapestry of color, culture, and joy.

Collaboration & Community

The Yaoundé Culture Marathon is being developed in partnership with:

Ministry of Arts and Culture
Ministry of Sports and Physical Education
Cameroon Athletics Federation
Local creative industries, cultural associations, and schools
International cultural organizations and sponsors

Through Toghugiving, the event will also support charitable projects—raising funds for education, inclusive schools, and autism awareness.

More Than a Marathon — It’s a Movement

The Yaoundé Culture Marathon is a tribute to Cameroon’s rich identity and diversity. It brings global attention to African culture, encourages healthy living, and creates a space where people can connect, heal, and celebrate what makes them unique.

As founder Afowiri Kizito says:

“We are not just running—we are writing a cultural story with every step. The Yaoundé Culture Marathon is for everyone who believes in unity, joy, and the beauty of tradition.”