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Guinness World Records has officially validated environmental activist Truphena Muthoni’s achievement of hugging a tree continuously for 72 hours, setting a new world record.
In a statement issued on Monday, January 26, Guinness described Muthoni as a devoted Kenyan environmentalist who delivered a powerful message on environmental protection by embracing a tree for three consecutive days.
“Truphena Muthoni has claimed the title for the longest marathon hugging a tree, recording an extraordinary 72 hours,” Guinness World Records said.
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The record was first established in 2024 by Uganda’s Faith Patricia Ariokot with a time of 16 hours and 6 seconds. Later that year, Abdul Hakim Awal of Ghana extended it to 24 hours, 21 minutes and 4 seconds. Truphena then took the lead in February 2025 with a 48-hour record.
Ghana’s Frederick Boakye briefly surpassed her with 50 hours, 2 minutes and 28 seconds, before Truphena reclaimed the title with her record-breaking 72-hour performance.
The 22-year-old, who founded the Hug the Earth initiative, explained to Guinness that her first attempt was meant to spark awareness, while the second symbolised long-term dedication.
“The first attempt was a statement—a way of reconnecting humanity with the Earth through a simple and intimate act,” she said.
“The second was about commitment. I realised the world needed more than symbolism; it needed consistency, endurance and proof that caring for the planet is a long-term responsibility.”
An ambassador of the 15 Billion Trees Campaign, Truphena said lessons from her initial attempt helped her perform better the second time. She admitted that her early preparation involved dry fasting and limiting water intake, which she later discovered put unnecessary strain on her body.
“I learned that approach was harmful and risky,” she said, adding that she also overtrained physically due to anxiety rather than proper planning.
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For her second attempt, she adopted a healthier strategy by increasing her water intake, preparing calmly and focusing on balance. This, she said, made a significant difference, leaving her physically strong throughout the challenge, with sleepiness being the main difficulty.
Guinness World Records noted that, like all marathon record attempts, Truphena earned five minutes of rest for every hour completed, which she could use hourly or accumulate for longer breaks.
Through her record, Truphena hopes to spread a global message that environmental healing should be rooted in love, not fear or conflict.
“Hugging a tree reminds us that nature is part of our family,” she said. “If one person can stay connected for 72 hours, then humanity can learn to protect what sustains us. Conservation must come from the heart, not just instructions.”
