Guinness World Records Confirms Truphena Muthoni’s 72-Hour Tree-Hugging Title
News Updated: 26 January 2026 17:19 EAT
Photo Credit: Truphena Muthoni on X
Guinness World Records has officially confirmed Kenyan environmental activist Truphena Muthoni as the holder of the world record for the longest marathon hugging a tree, after she successfully completed a 72-hour challenge in Nyeri County in December 2025.
The confirmation follows weeks of verification by Guinness World Records, which reviewed timekeeping data, video footage, witness statements and medical supervision reports submitted after the attempt. The ratification formally places Muthoni in the global record books.
Muthoni undertook the endurance challenge from December 8 to December 11, 2025, at the Nyeri County headquarters grounds, where she maintained continuous physical contact with an indigenous tree for three consecutive days and nights.
The 72-hour feat surpassed her own previous record of 48 hours, which she set earlier in 2025, making her the first person to officially extend the tree-hugging marathon to the three-day mark.
Guinness World Records noted that the attempt met all the criteria for the category, including uninterrupted contact, strict monitoring, scheduled breaks within the allowed guidelines and independent verification throughout the duration.
The environmental activist said the challenge was aimed at drawing attention to climate change, deforestation and the need to protect indigenous trees, linking environmental conservation to mental health and community well-being.
During the challenge, Muthoni received support from residents, environmental groups and public figures, with crowds gathering periodically as she approached the final hours of the marathon.
The record attempt also attracted significant media attention locally and internationally, sparking debate on creative forms of environmental activism and the role of symbolic action in driving conservation awareness.
Following the successful completion of the challenge, the government recognised Muthoni’s advocacy efforts, with President William Ruto appointing her as an ambassador for Kenya’s national tree-growing initiative targeting the planting of 15 billion trees.
With the Guinness confirmation now secured, Muthoni’s achievement stands as both a personal endurance milestone and a high-profile statement on environmental conservation, placing Kenya on the global stage for innovative climate advocacy.
Tags: Guinness World Record Guiness world record Editor's Pick Signs Media Kenya Limited Signsmedia Signstvkenya
Share this article
FELIX MAKONA
FACT FINDER AND DATA DRIVEN JOURNALIST. DATA MINING AT IT'S BEST. GET FACTS RANGING FROM MATTERS DISABILITY AND INCLUSION, POLITICS, ECONOMY, SPORTS AND GENERAL NEWS AROUND THE WORLD