The Guinness World Records (GWR) has ratified environmentalist Truphena Muthoni’s world record of hugging a tree continuously for 72 hours.
In a statement on Monday, January 26, Guinness World Records confirmed that Muthoni surpassed the previous record of 48 hours.
The organization underscored Muthoni’s endurance and the environmental message behind the attempt.
“A passionate environmental activist from Kenya is hoping to send a strong message about protecting the Earth after hugging a tree for three whole days.
“Truphena Muthoni has set the record for longest marathon hugging a tree with an unbelievable total of 72 hours,” GWR stated.
The environmentalist’s new 72-hour feat surpasses her previous record of 48 hours, set in May 2025, marking an extension of her own world record.
The record was first broken in 2024 by Faith Patricia Ariokot from Uganda with a time of 16 hr 6 sec.
Abdul Hakim Awal from Ghana broke it in 2024 with 24 hr 21 min 4 sec, and Truphena first came along in February 2025 to take the title with a total of 48 hr.
Frederick Boakye of Ghana very briefly held the record with a time of 50 hr 2 min 28 sec, before Truphena Muthoni took it back with her record-shattering time.
The 72-hour record earned Muthoni recognition, and she was appointed as an ambassador for Kenya’s 15-billion-tree planting campaign.
She was also conferred with the Head of State Commendation (HSC) Medal by President William Ruto.
“The second attempt was a commitment. I realized 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 said.
