Guinness World Records has officially ratified Kenyan environmental activist Truphena Muthoni’s achievement of hugging a tree continuously for 72 hours, setting a new world record.

In a statement released on Monday, January 26, Guinness World Records described Muthoni as a passionate advocate for environmental protection, noting that her extraordinary endurance sent a powerful message about humanity’s responsibility to protect the planet.

“Truphena Muthoni has set the record for the longest marathon hugging a tree with an incredible total of 72 hours,” Guinness World Records said.

The record has seen rapid progression in recent years. It was first set in 2024 by Uganda’s Faith Patricia Ariokot at 16 hours and 6 seconds, before Ghana’s Abdul Hakim Awal extended it to 24 hours, 21 minutes and 4 seconds later that year.

Muthoni first claimed the title in February 2025 with a 48-hour performance. The record briefly changed hands when Ghana’s Frederick Boakye posted 50 hours, 2 minutes and 28 seconds, before Muthoni reclaimed it with her record-breaking 72-hour effort.

The 22-year-old activist, founder of the Hug the Earth initiative and an ambassador for the 15 Billion Trees Campaign, told Guinness World Records that the two attempts carried different meanings for her.

“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 and consistency.”

She added that repeating the challenge was meant to underline that climate action should be sustained rather than symbolic. “Doing it twice was my way of saying that caring for the planet is not a one-off event but a long-term responsibility,” she said.

Muthoni explained that lessons from her first attempt helped her significantly improve her performance the second time. Initially, she had reduced her water intake and experimented with dry fasting, a decision she later acknowledged put unnecessary strain on her body.

“I realised that approach was a mistake because it increased the risk of serious health complications,” she said.

For her second attempt, she adopted a healthier and more strategic preparation plan, including increased hydration and a calmer physical routine. According to Muthoni, the change made a major difference.

“I wasn’t physically exhausted at all during the attempt. The biggest challenge was sleepiness, especially since I hadn’t slept well the night before,” she said, noting that the experience taught her the importance of balance, preparation and respecting the body’s limits.

Under Guinness World Records rules, marathon participants earn five minutes of rest for every hour of activity, which can be taken intermittently or accumulated for longer breaks, a choice left to the record holder.

Through her achievement, Muthoni hopes to inspire a global shift in how people relate to nature.

“Healing the planet doesn’t require fear, conflict or force,” she said. “Hugging a tree reminds us that nature is not separate from us, it is family. Before we plant millions of trees, we must nurture millions of hearts that truly care.”