Guinness World Records has officially endorsed Kenyan environmental activist Truphena Muthoni’s 72-hour tree-hugging marathon. The global body confirmed her as the current world record holder for the longest time spent hugging a tree.
In a statement released on Monday, 26 January 2026, the organisation described Truphena Muthoni’s Guinness World Record as a powerful act. “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,” the statement read.
They, then, confirmed that “Truphena Muthoni has set the record for longest marathon hugging a tree with an unbelievable total of 72 hours.” 
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The Tree-Hugging Record Over The Years
The record itself has seen several changes in the past few years.
- It was first set in 2024 by Uganda’s Faith Patricia Ariokot, who held on for 16 hours and six seconds.
- Ghana’s Abdul Hakim Awal later pushed the benchmark to 24 hours, 21 minutes, and four seconds.
- Then, in February 2025, Muthoni took over with a 48-hour record.
- Ghana’s Frederick Boakye briefly claimed the title at 50 hours, two minutes, and 28 seconds.
- Before Muthoni’s latest attempt decisively reclaimed the record.
Speaking to Guinness World Records, the 22-year-old said her first attempt was symbolic. But the second was about long-term commitment. “The first attempt was a statement, a way to reintroduce humanity to the Earth through a simple, intimate act,” she said. “The second attempt was a commitment.”
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Why Truphena Muthoni Guinness World Record Matters
Muthoni is the founder of the Hug the Earth initiative and an ambassador of the 15 Billion Trees Campaign. She shared lessons learnt from her earlier try. According to her, dry fasting and intense physical training during her first attempt placed unnecessary strain on her body. Knowing this, she prioritised hydration, calm preparation, and balance for her second attempt.
“This made a remarkable difference,” she explained, adding that her biggest challenge was sleepiness.
As with all Guinness marathon records, Muthoni earned five minutes of rest for every hour completed. She could take the breaks hourly or save them for longer breaks.
The message behind Truphena Muthoni’s Guinness World Record is the need for a more conscious approach to environmentalism. “Hugging a tree shows that nature is not separate from us. It is family,” she said. “Before we plant a million trees, we must nurture a million hearts that care.”
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