More Than a Marathon, an Economic Engine
The Yaoundé Cultural Marathon (YCM) is designed not just as a race or festival, but as a catalyst for economic transformation. Around the world, marathons have proven to be some of the most profitable city events, attracting tourists, generating revenue, and creating jobs.
Global Benchmarks
- - New York City Marathon (USA): Generates over $415 million annually for the local economy, drawing more than 50,000 runners and 1 million spectators.
- - London Marathon (UK): Raises more than £66 million annually for charity and fuels local tourism.
- - Great Ethiopian Run (Ethiopia): Attracts over 40,000 participants each year and injects more than $10 million annually into Addis Ababa’s economy.
These examples show the power of running events to drive tourism and development.
Cameroon’s Potential Impact
The Yaoundé Cultural Marathon will position Cameroon as a new hub for sports tourism in Africa. Early projections show:
- - 5,000 international participants in the first 3 years could generate 5 billion CFA annually
- - Scaling to 40,000 participants within 10 years could create over 20,000 jobs in hospitality, transport, media, and creative industries
- - Revenue streams will come from hotels, airlines, restaurants, local crafts, entertainment, and cultural tourism
Benefits Across Sectors
- - Tourism & Hospitality: Increased hotel bookings, dining, and domestic travel.
- - Small Businesses: Boost for local vendors, artisans, and creative entrepreneurs.
- - Infrastructure: Opportunity to improve city logistics, transport, and event facilities.
- - Media & Branding: National and international media coverage boosting Cameroon’s global image.
- - Creative Industries: A platform for fashion, music, dance, and food to reach new markets.
Why It Matters
The Yaoundé Cultural Marathon is more than a day of running — it is a sustainable driver of economic growth. With the right institutional support, it will become one of Cameroon’s largest recurring tourism events, contributing directly to GDP growth and international visibility.
Be Part of the Growth
The Yaoundé Cultural Marathon is Cameroon’s next big opportunity — a chance to combine culture, sport, and tourism into one powerful festival that drives both pride and prosperity.
👉 Invest in YCM. Invest in Cameroon’s future.
👉 Invest in YCM. Invest in Cameroon’s future.
Push for the First Celebration
The Yaoundé Cultural Marathon is on course to make history as Cameroon’s first cultural marathon festival. Together, we can turn this vision into a national tradition that unites communities, boosts tourism, and inspires the world.
Building Cameroon’s Signature Festival
The Yaoundé Cultural Marathon is more than a race — it is Cameroon’s chance to establish a national festival that blends sport, culture, and unity. With your support, we can create a legacy that strengthens pride at home and positions Cameroon on the global stage of sports tourism.
Now is the time to invest in a project that will inspire generations
