Kenyan environmentalist Truphena Muthoni has officially earned a place in the Guinness World Records after her 48-hour tree-hugging marathon, held from January 31 to February 2, 2025, was confirmed.
Guinness World Records announced on Friday that Muthoni not only met but exceeded the previous mark, highlighting her effort as a remarkable testament to the bond between humans and nature.
Muthoni, who undertook the challenge “to raise awareness about the profound impact of tree hugging on mental and emotional well-being,” spent more than five months preparing for the attempt. Her training involved 42-kilometre walks, strength conditioning, and 12-hour practice sessions hugging a tree to build endurance and mental resilience.
Her record surpasses the earlier feat by 23-year-old Ghanaian journalist Abdul Hakim Awal, who spent 24 hours and 21 minutes hugging a tree outside the Kumasi Cultural Centre.
Awal himself had broken the previous record of 16 hours set by Uganda’s Faith Patricia Ariokot. For his attempt, Awal pledged to plant one tree for every minute spent hugging the tree, ultimately planting 1,461 seedlings.
After Guinness confirmed her 48-hour record, Muthoni said, “It's finally home. My 48 Hours for the longest marathon hugging a tree have been recorded. Thank you, God.
Thank you, Kenyans, for your support. Now waiting for the 72 hours of non-stop tree hugging to be recorded.”
Her recent 72-hour challenge, however, remains unverified. Guinness World Records explained that while the attempt is impressive, it cannot be officially recognised until evidence is fully reviewed.
“We know Truphena's fans are excited to hear the results, and we look forward to receiving and assessing the evidence. For now, her current record stands at 48 hours, achieved earlier this year in Nairobi,” the organisation wrote.
Videos of Muthoni’s final minutes went viral, prompting widespread excitement among Kenyans. Fredrick Timotheo commented: “We have a world record holder in Kenya. Truphena Muthoni sets a new world record for hugging a tree for 72 hours.” Guinness responded cautiously: “We look forward to receiving the evidence.”
The organisation emphasised that no achievement is recognised automatically. Every record must pass a rigorous process to ensure legitimacy. Applicants must submit detailed evidence, which may include continuous video footage, independent witness statements, official time logs, medical reports, and photographic documentation.
Guinness reviews submissions carefully, a process that can take 12 weeks or longer. Only after all requirements are met will a record be officially declared. Until then, Muthoni’s 72-hour hug remains unofficial despite widespread public acclaim.
Videos of her attempt show supporters cheering, medics on standby, and Muthoni maintaining unwavering determination. But as Guinness points out, viral attention alone cannot grant a world record.
Muthoni and her team must now compile all necessary evidence, submit it through the official portal, and await the review process. If approved, her 72-hour embrace could become Kenya’s next global record, cementing her dedication to environmental advocacy and mental well-being.
