Guinness World Records Officially Confirms Truphena Muthoni’s 72-Hour Achievement

Guinness World Records has officially recognised Kenyan environmental activist Truphena Muthoni for setting a new world record after hugging a tree continuously for 72 hours.

In a statement released on Monday, January 26, Guinness World Records praised Muthoni’s extraordinary endurance, describing her as a “passionate environmental activist from Kenya sending a strong message about protecting the Earth after hugging a tree for three whole days.”

“Truphena Muthoni has set the record for the longest marathon hugging a tree with an unbelievable total of 72 hours,” Guinness World Records announced.

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The tree-hugging record has seen several changes over the past year. It was first set in 2024 by Uganda’s Faith Patricia Ariokot, who logged 16 hours and 6 seconds. Later that same year, Abdul Hakim Awal of Ghana raised the bar to 24 hours, 21 minutes, and 4 seconds.

Muthoni entered the record books in February 2025, initially claiming the title with a 48-hour attempt. However, Ghana’s Frederick Boakye briefly surpassed her with a time of 50 hours, 2 minutes and 28 seconds, before Muthoni reclaimed the record with her now record-breaking 72-hour marathon.

Guinness World Records Officially Confirms Truphena Muthoni’s 72-Hour Achievement

The 22-year-old activist, who founded the environmental initiative Hug the Earth, explained that her attempts were driven by a deeper purpose beyond symbolism.

“The first attempt was a statement, a way to reintroduce humanity to the Earth through a simple, intimate act,” Muthoni told Guinness World Records.

She added that her second attempt represented a stronger commitment to climate action.

“The second attempt was a commitment. I realised that the world needed more than symbolism; it needed endurance, consistency, and proof that care for the planet is not momentary. Doing it twice was my way of saying that climate action is not a one-off event but a sustained responsibility.”

Muthoni completed the endurance challenge in Kenya, drawing national and international attention to environmental conservation and the role of trees in sustaining life.

The marathon required her to remain standing while embracing a single tree continuously for three days, with only short, regulated breaks allowed under record guidelines.

Speaking after the attempt, Muthoni said the act was meant to send a strong message about humanity’s relationship with the natural world.

“Hugging a tree shows that nature is not separate from us; it is family,” she said.

The record attempt was monitored and documented to ensure compliance with verification standards. Supporters, environmental activists, and members of the public followed the event both physically and through social media, where updates on her progress were shared throughout the 72 hours.

Muthoni’s initiative comes at a time when Kenya continues to face serious environmental challenges, including deforestation, climate change, and land degradation. According to government data, forest cover remains below the recommended global threshold, despite ongoing efforts to increase tree planting and conservation.

Environmental groups say symbolic actions such as Muthoni’s can help spark public interest and conversation around environmental protection, especially among young people.

Throughout the marathon, Muthoni endured physical strain, fatigue, and changing weather conditions. She was attended by a small support team that ensured her safety and well-being while adhering to the rules of the challenge.

Also Read: Why Truphena Muthoni Chose an Ash Tree in Nyeri for Her World Record Attempt

Observers described the final hours as particularly demanding, but Muthoni remained focused until the record time was officially reached. Upon completion, she was met with applause and messages of support from across the country.

Conservation advocates have praised the effort as a creative way to highlight the importance of trees in combating climate change, preserving biodiversity, and supporting livelihoods.

Muthoni says she hopes the record will encourage more Kenyans to take part in environmental conservation, whether through tree planting, protecting forests, or adopting sustainable practices in daily life.

Her 72-hour tree-hugging marathon now stands as a powerful statement on environmental responsibility, using endurance and symbolism to remind people of the deep connection between humans and nature.