Kenyan environmentalist Truphena Muthoni has officially received her Guinness World Records badge, formally recognising her achievement as the world record holder for the longest marathon hugging a tree, after maintaining continuous contact for 48 hours.
The badge, issued by Guinness World Records, confirms Muthoni as the verified “Record Breaker” for the endurance feat, which was achieved in Nairobi on February 2, 2025. The certification places her in the organisation’s global record books following a rigorous verification process.
According to the official Guinness documentation, “Longest marathon hugging a tree is 48:00:00 hours, achieved in Nairobi, Kenya on February 2, 2025.” The badge bears the organisation’s seal and identifies Muthoni as the officially recognised record holder.
Guinness World Records requires strict compliance for such attempts, including uninterrupted physical contact with a single tree for the entire duration. Any break, however brief, would have resulted in disqualification.
The organisation’s verification process involves a detailed review of video evidence, timekeeping records, independent witnesses, and supporting documentation.
The issuance of the badge confirms that Muthoni’s attempt met all stipulated criteria and was validated in line with Guinness World Records’ global standards.
“New Year comes with official Record Breaker Badge,” Muthoni wrote on her Facebook page, celebrating the milestone.
In earlier interviews, Muthoni said her motivation for the record attempt went beyond endurance, describing it as a campaign to promote environmental conservation and mental well-being.
“I undertook this challenge to raise awareness about the profound impact of tree hugging on mental and emotional well-being,” she said.
She revealed that preparation for the record took more than five months and involved an intensive training programme designed to build both physical stamina and mental resilience.
Her regimen included long-distance 42-kilometre walks, strength conditioning sessions, and multiple 12-hour trial runs, hugging a tree to acclimatise her body and mind to the demands of the attempt.
Muthoni’s 48-hour feat more than doubles the previous world record of 24 hours and 21 minutes, which had been set by 23-year-old Ghanaian journalist Abdul Hakim Awal during a “tree-hug-a-thon” outside the Kumasi Cultural Centre.
Awal had earlier surpassed a 16-hour record held by Uganda’s Faith Patricia Ariokot.
Awal’s attempt was also linked to environmental advocacy. He pledged to plant one tree for every minute spent hugging the tree, eventually planting 1,461 seedlings as part of his campaign.
Following confirmation of her record, Muthoni expressed gratitude to supporters across the country and signalled her ambition to push the limits even further.
“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,” she said. “Now waiting for the 72 hours of non-stop tree hugging to be recorded.”
Muthoni recently completed a 72-hour tree-hugging attempt, which is currently under review by Guinness World Records. The organisation has not yet confirmed whether that effort will be officially recognised.
For now, her 48-hour achievement stands as the longest verified tree-hugging marathon in the world, cementing her place in global record history while drawing renewed attention to environmental conservation and personal well-being.