AFOWIRI FONDZENYUY SET TO RUN KILIMANJAROMARATHON, COMPLETING 7 CONTINENTS IN TOGHU

Global marathoner and cultural ambassador Afowiri “Kitz” Fondzenyuy, widely known as the Toghu Marathoner, has officially announced his participation in the Kilimanjaro Summit Marathon scheduled for the end of January. The run will mark his 20th marathon and complete a historic journey of running marathons across all seven continents, each proudly done in Cameroon’s traditional Toghu attire.

The Kilimanjaro run represents more than an athletic milestone. It is the centerpiece of a fundraising campaign to establish Cameroon’s first Center for Neurodiversity, aimed at supporting children with autism and other special needs, while training teachers and parents to better understand inclusive learning.

Over the years, Afowiri has used marathon running as a platform for social change. Funds raised from his previous races led to the successful construction and inauguration of two critical community bridges — the Tsenmah Bridge and the Ndzenkov Bridge — in the Ngondzen community, reconnecting children to schools and families to markets after years of isolation during the rainy season.

In 2024, Afowiri earned a Guinness World Record at the Tokyo Marathon as the fastest man to complete a marathon in traditional Toghu attire. In June 2025, he donated the Guinness World Record-winning Toghu to the National Museum of Cameroon, where it is preserved as a national treasure — a lasting symbol of culture, endurance, and civic responsibility.

Explaining why Africa remains central to his journey, Afowiri said:

“Africa is my home. It is where I can take our culture and our cause to the summit — 19,000 feet on Mount Kilimanjaro. This run is about showing that culture, compassion, and community can move the world forward.”

The Kilimanjaro challenge will involve nine days on the mountain, including eight days of hiking and one full day dedicated to running at extreme altitude. Thousands of runners from around the world are expected to participate, but Afowiri will stand out — not only for his Toghu attire, but for the purpose behind every step.

Beyond Kilimanjaro, the vision continues with the upcoming Yaoundé Cultural Marathon, a national initiative designed to merge sport, culture, and social impact — inspiring participation across generations and positioning Cameroon as a hub for cultural and inclusive sports tourism.

Afowiri is calling on individuals, organizations, and corporate partners to support or sponsor this mission.

How to Support or Sponsor

Donations and sponsorship contributions can be made directly via:
https://tinyurl.com/tmkilimanjaro
Supporters can also scan the QR code featured in the official campaign video.

Funds raised will go toward:

• Establishing Cameroon’s first Center for Neurodiversity
• Training teachers and parents in inclusive education
• Expanding community-based social impact initiatives linked to sport and culture

“We’ve built bridges. Now we’re building futures,” Afowiri said. “This journey belongs to everyone who believes that no child should be left behind.