Guinness World Records (GWR) has officially ratified a remarkable environmental milestone set by a young Kenyan activist who hugged a tree continuously for three days to promote environmental conservation.
Truphena Muthoni, 22, has been confirmed by Guinness World Records as the holder of the longest marathon hugging a tree, after successfully completing an extraordinary 72-hour challenge.
The record was initially set in 2024 by Faith Patricia Ariokot of Uganda, who hugged a tree for 16 hours and 6 seconds. It was later broken the same year by Abdul Hakim Awal of Ghana, who extended the time to 24 hours, 21 minutes and 4 seconds.
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Truphena first entered the record books in February 2025 after achieving 48 hours.
However, the title briefly shifted to Frederick Boakye of Ghana, who managed 50 hours, 2 minutes and 28 seconds, before Truphena reclaimed it with her now ratified 72-hour effort.
Following the confirmation by Guinness World Records, Truphena said the achievement was about far more than breaking a record.
“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. I realised the world needed more than symbolism; it needed endurance, consistency, and proof that climate action is a sustained responsibility.”
Truphena is the founder of the Hug the Earth initiative and an ambassador for Kenya’s 15 Billion Trees Campaign. She revealed that lessons from her first attempt played a key role in helping her succeed the second time.
During her initial preparation, she relied on dry fasting and reduced water intake — a strategy she later acknowledged was harmful.
“It placed unnecessary strain on my kidneys and increased the risk of serious health complications,” she said.
For the record-breaking attempt, she adopted a healthier and more strategic approach, increasing hydration and focusing on calm physical and mental preparation.
“The difference was remarkable. I wasn’t physically tired at all. The main challenge was sleepiness, mainly because I missed proper rest before the record began,” she explained.
“Endurance is not about deprivation or intensity, but about balance, preparation, and respecting the body’s limits.”
Under Guinness World Records guidelines, Truphena was entitled to five minutes of rest for every hour of activity, which she could either take intermittently or accumulate for longer breaks.
Beyond the feat itself, Truphena hopes the record will inspire a gentler approach to environmental conservation.
“Healing the planet does not require violence, conflict, or fear,” she said.
“It can begin with care. Hugging a tree shows that nature is not separate from us — it is family.”
She added that true conservation must start from values.
“Before we plant a million trees, we must nurture a million hearts that care. Conservation should come from love, not instruction.”
Truphena described herself as “profoundly humbled” by the recognition from Guinness World Records, noting that the experience reshaped her view of leadership.
“This record is not a personal victory. It is about giving time back to the Earth — time for reflection, reconnection, and awakening collective responsibility.”
During the challenge, she honoured Indigenous environmental wisdom and paid tribute to persons living with disabilities by wearing a blindfold after surpassing her previous 48-hour record.
Medical support, including an ambulance, remained on standby throughout the attempt.
With the record now officially ratified, Truphena says her mission continues — using simple but powerful actions to inspire global responsibility toward protecting the planet.