Kenyan woman attempts longest tree-hugging marathon for mental health awareness.
A 21-year-old Kenyan woman may have set a new world record for the longest tree-hugging marathon after holding onto a single tree for 48 hours. Truphena Muthoni completed the challenge in a public park in downtown Nairobi and is now awaiting confirmation from Guinness World Records.
Muthoni’s goal was not just to break a record but to highlight the connection between nature and mental health. She hopes her efforts will inspire more people to embrace tree-hugging as a form of therapy and environmental activism.
Muthoni began her attempt at 6:10 p.m. on Friday and remained in the same standing position until Sunday evening. If verified, her time surpasses the previous record—held by Ghanaian Abdul Hakim Awal—by 24 hours.
A crowd of supporters gathered in the park to cheer her on, counting down the final seconds of her challenge. Despite exhaustion, she remained determined. She revealed that she first turned to tree-hugging as a personal coping mechanism and found it helped her feel calm and grounded.
“I want to encourage people to embrace tree-hugging because it helps boost mental health and allows us to recharge,” she told local media.
Tree-hugging is often dismissed as a quirky activity, but research suggests it has real psychological benefits. The Japanese practice of “shinrin-yoku” (or forest bathing) gained popularity in the 1980s as a way to reduce stress. Several studies, including two key reports published in 2012, have shown that hugging trees can lower blood pressure, improve cognitive function, and enhance creativity.
Environmentalists have also used tree-hugging as a form of protest for nearly 300 years. The first recorded instance occurred in 1730 when members of the Bishnoi community in India hugged trees to prevent deforestation. The movement later inspired the 1970s Chipko Movement, in which villagers, mainly women, embraced trees to protect forests from logging.
Setting a world record is not just about determination; it also requires extensive preparation. Muthoni spent five months training for the event, conditioning herself to stand for long periods, go without food, and limit her bathroom use for 48 hours.
“I have trained myself to stand for long hours, go without food, and even fast for extended periods,” she explained. “I know it’s all in the mind.”
Guinness World Records requires strict documentation to confirm a record. Evidence must include witness statements, continuous video footage, and official timekeeping records. Although local TV and radio stations live-streamed Muthoni’s event, Guinness has yet to verify her achievement.
Muthoni’s longest tree-hugging marathon has drawn praise from both government officials and environmental organizations. Ababu Namwamba, Kenya’s permanent representative to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), congratulated her on social media, calling her effort an example of youth leadership in sustainability and mental health awareness.
The Kenya Forest Service also acknowledged her feat, stating that small acts of environmental appreciation can inspire broader conservation efforts.
The attempt reflects a growing interest in longest tree-hugging marathons worldwide. In February 2024, Ugandan activist Faith Patricia Ariokot became the first recognized record holder after hugging a tree for 16 hours and 6 seconds. Three months later, Ghanaian Abdul Hakim Awal extended the record to 24 hours and 21 minutes.
Other tree-hugging challenges have gained attention, including a 2024 record for hugging the most trees in a single event. Ghanaian-born Abubakar Tahiru hugged 1,123 trees in Alabama, USA, averaging nearly 19 trees per minute.
Beyond world records, tree-hugging has evolved into a competitive sport. The Tree-Hugging World Championships, launched in 2020, occur in the Finnish Arctic. Contestants compete in categories such as speed-hugging, dedication, and freestyle.
Muthoni’s longest tree-hugging marathon attempt may set a new world record and encourage more people to view nature as a source of healing. Whether for activism, mental health, or sport, tree-hugging continues to gain global recognition as a powerful and meaningful practice.
