Afowiri Kizito Fondzenyuy (born 26 December 1972) is a Cameroonian Philanthropist, social entrepreneur, charity fundraiser, and marathon enthusiast, who runs marathons in Toghu attire to raise funds for various charitable causes.[1][2] He holds the Guinness World Record for the fastest marathon run in traditional Toghu attire.[3][4] and is an Abbott Major Marathon Six Star finisher.[5]
Afowiri Fondzenyuy | |
|---|---|
| Fondzenyuy | |
| Born | Afowiri Kizito Fondzenyuy 1972 (age 51–52) Bamenda, Cameroon |
| Other names | Toghu Marathoner |
| Education | University of St. Thomas in Houston |
| Occupation | Marathon runner Philanthropist |
| Known for | Guinness World Records holder for fastest Toghu marathoner |
Early life and education
editAfowiri Kizito was born on December 26, 1972, in Bamenda, northwest Cameroon.[6] He attended several primary schools in Cameroon, including those in Bafoussam and Yaoundé. In 1990, he completed secondary school at Sacred Heart College in Mankon, and subsequently attended high school at GHS Mbengwi in Cameroon. Afowiri earned a Bachelor's degree in Economics from the University of Dschang in Cameroon, and a Master's degree in Business Administration and International Studies from the University of St. Thomas in Houston, Texas,[7] USA, in 2006.[8]
Career and Guinness World Record
editAfowiri began participating in marathons, in 2011 when he participated in the Thunder Road Marathon in Charlotte, North Carolina, United States to raise funds for underprivileged children.[9] He also took part in the Houston Marathon in 2017, Boston and Sydney Marathon in 2023.[10][11][12][13] In 2024, Afowiri set a Guinness World Record for marathon running, becoming the first man to hold the record for the fastest marathon run completed while wearing a Toghu attire.[14] Afowiri completed the marathon in 4 hours and 24 minutes.[5][15]
Afowiri received support from high-profile Cameroonians, including Henri Dikongué, award-winning singer Mr. Leo, and Christopher John Lamora, who cheered him after the Tokyo 2024 Marathon.[15][16]
Honors
editIn 2023, Afowiri was honored with the Presidential volunteer Service Award, also known as the President's Lifetime Achievement Award, for his volunteer work dedicated to public service.[17][18]
Charitable activity and fundraising
editFondzenyuy is also known for his involvement in various charitable activities. He has supported numerous initiatives including, Awareness for autism, the construction of schools, and the provision of didactic materials to schools in Cameroon. In 2006, he established a non-governmental organization known as the Amom Foundation[19][20][21]
In 2024, Fondzenyuy participated in the Tokyo Marathon, japan, part of the World Marathon Majors (WMM) series, to raise funds.[22][23] The funds from the event aimed to build bridges in Cameroon to enhance infrastructure and connectivity in some areas.[24][1][25]
References
edit- ^ a b Rita, Okoye (11 February 2024). "Afowiri Fondzenyuy: Using Tokyo Marathon to build bridges in Cameroon". The Vanguardngr.
- ^ Deng, Eric. "US-based Cameroonian bags Guinness World Record fastest Toghu marathoner recognition". theguardianpostcameroon. Retrieved 18 May 2024.
- ^ Guinness, world records. "Fastest marathon wearing a toghu (male)". Guinness World Records. Retrieved 16 May 2024.
- ^ Cameroun, Vitrine du (5 April 2024). "Le Toghu entre dans le livre des records Guinness". Vitrine du Cameroun (in French). Retrieved 16 May 2024.
- ^ a b Kimeng, Hilton. "Major International Marathon : Afowiri Fondzenyuy Slashes Own Record By Over An Hour". Cameroon Tribune. Retrieved 16 May 2024.
- ^ "Le Toghu entre dans le livre des records Guinness". Lebledparle (in French). 4 April 2024. Retrieved 18 May 2024.
- ^ "UST Today — Fall 2013 by University of St. Thomas — Issuu". issuu.com. 11 September 2014. Retrieved 6 July 2024.
- ^ "Afowiri Kizito Fondzenyuy". Amom Foundation. Retrieved 16 May 2024.
- ^ JANES, THÉODEN. "Know someone from the Charlotte area who ran the Boston Marathon? Here's how they did". www.charlotteobserver.com.
- ^ Jerome, Neba (2 October 2023), Afowiri Fondzenyuy Completes Sydney Marathon In Style, The Herald Tribune, retrieved 16 June 2024
- ^ "Scenes from Heartbreak Hill during the 2023 Boston Marathon". Boston.com. Retrieved 23 May 2024.
- ^ TLUMACKI, JOHN. "Here are 25 photos from a soggy, chilly, yet strangely enjoyable Boston Marathon — The Boston Globe". BostonGlobe.com. Retrieved 23 May 2024.
- ^ "Sydney Marathon Certificate (PDF)". multisportaustralia.com.
- ^ Elizabeth, MOSIMA. "International Marathon : Afowiri Fondzenyuy Enters Guinness World Records". Cameroon Tribune. Retrieved 23 May 2024.
- ^ a b Idoh, usan (30 March 2024). "GWR: 52-year-old Cameroonian makes history as world's fastest marathon wearing a toghu". vanguardngr.com/.
- ^ "Tokyo: 52-year-old Cameroonian makes history as world's fastest marathon wearing a toghu – Cameroon Intelligence Report". 4 June 2024. Retrieved 6 June 2024.
- ^ Abisola, Shojobi (22 August 2023). "Cameroon Marathon Runner Receives Lifetime Humanitarian Award". Independent Nigeria. Retrieved 29 May 2024.
- ^ Cajetan, Berinyuy; Publisher (3 September 2023). "A Toghu Marathoner, Kizito Fondzenyuy gets a lifetime humanitarian award from the US President and People Empowering People (PEP) Africa. | Human Rights and Legal Research Centre". Retrieved 29 May 2024.
- ^ Kimeng, Hilton. "Afowiri Kizito Fondzenyuy: The Marathoner For Community Development". Cameroon Tribune. Retrieved 30 May 2024.
- ^ "About-us". Amom Foundation. Retrieved 22 May 2024.
- ^ Nkemngu, Aminateh (16 May 2011), Eden ( Newspaper) Organisation Strategises To Stamp Out Illiteracy From Cameroon, Eden, retrieved 21 June 2024
- ^ "Le Toghu entre dans le livre des records Guinness". Lebledparle (in French). 4 April 2024. Retrieved 22 May 2024.
- ^ "Cameroon Fundraiser Successfully Runs the Tokyo Marathon in Local Attire, Sets Guinness World Record". cameroun24.net. Retrieved 11 June 2024.
- ^ Mustapha, Nii Okai; Inusah. "52-Year-Old Cameroonian Man Sets Guinness World Record in Tokyo Marathon to Raise Funds for Underprivileged Children". ModernGhana.
- ^ Okai Inusah, Mustapha Nii. "Cameroon Afowiri Fondzenyuy embarks on projects to give back to communities in Cameroon". ModernGhana.