Cameroonian marathon runner Afowiri Kizito Fondzenyuy will donate the traditional Toghu outfit he wore during his Guinness World Record marathon performance to the National Museum in Yaoundé.
The event, which will take place on Tuesday, is expected to attract guests from across the country, including officials, cultural leaders, and members of the public.
Fondzenyuy, who is widely known as the Toghu Marathoner, made history at the Tokyo Marathon in March 2024 by running the entire race in full traditional attire. He completed the course in 4 hours, 24 minutes, and 2 seconds, earning him the Guinness World Record for the fastest marathon run in cultural dress.
The outfit — consisting of a Toghu shirt, traditional cap, and running shoes — has since been worn in several other marathons around the world. It has become a symbol of the athlete’s mission to promote Cameroonian culture and identity on the global stage.
Speaking ahead of the ceremony, Fondzenyuy said he was honoured to give the outfit a permanent home in Cameroon.
“This outfit has travelled far, but it started in Nso. Donating it to the National Museum is a way of bringing that journey full circle,” he said.
In addition to his athletic achievements, Fondzenyuy has used his international races to raise awareness and funds for social causes in Cameroon. Through his Amom Foundation, he has launched projects in education, literacy, and infrastructure development.
Among them is the construction of a school for children with special needs and autism. The foundation is also building concrete bridges in rural communities to improve school access during the rainy season.
The donation event is scheduled for 4pm and will include a short ceremony. Fondzenyuy is also expected to present a proposal for a future Yaoundé Culture Marathon — an event aimed at combining running with music, tradition, and national pride.
The outfit will be kept as part of the museum’s permanent collection.
