On Monday, Guinness World Records confirmed that the 22-year-old Kenyan environmental activist had set a new global mark for the longest marathon hugging a tree, an extraordinary 72 hours of stillness, endurance and quiet resolve.
In a statement, the record-keeping body described her as “a passionate environmental activist from Kenya sending a strong message about protecting the Earth”.
“Truphena Muthoni has set the record for the longest marathon hugging a tree with an unbelievable total of 72 hours,” Guinness said.
The achievement places her at the top of a record that has changed hands several times in recent years. The first recognised mark was set in 2024 by Uganda’s Faith Patricia Ariokot, who managed just over 16 hours. That was later surpassed by Ghana’s Abdul Hakim Awal with more than 24 hours.
Muthoni entered the record books in February 2025 with a 48-hour effort. But her title was briefly taken by another Ghanaian, Frederick Boakye, who stretched the record to just over 50 hours, before Muthoni returned and pushed it far beyond reach.
This time, she stayed standing long after exhaustion set in.
Speaking to Guinness, Muthoni said her first attempt was symbolic. The second, she explained, was something deeper.
“The first attempt was a statement, a way to reintroduce humanity to the Earth through a simple, intimate act,” she said.
“The second attempt was a commitment.”
She added that climate action, in her view, must be sustained, not ceremonial.
“I realised the world needed more than symbolism. It needed endurance, consistency and proof that care for the planet is not momentary.”
Muthoni is the founder of an environmental initiative known as Hug the Earth and also serves as an ambassador for Kenya’s 15 Billion Trees Campaign. Her work centres on conservation awareness, especially among young people.
The journey, she said, has not been without hard lessons.
During her first attempt, she trained by restricting water intake, a decision she now regrets.
“I later realised this approach was a mistake,” she said. “It placed unnecessary strain on my kidneys and increased the risk of serious health complications.”
For the second attempt, she changed course. She focused on hydration, calm preparation and rest rather than physical strain.
The difference, she said, was striking.
“I was not physically tired at all during the attempt. The main challenge was sleepiness.”
As with all Guinness endurance records, she was allowed five minutes of rest for every hour completed, breaks she could take immediately or save for longer pauses later.
In the end, she hardly needed them.
Her protest required no slogans, no speeches and no stage. Just a tree, a body pushed to its limits, and a message that travelled far beyond the bark she held on to.
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