Afowiri Kizito Fondzenyuy, the Cameroonian endurance athlete known as the Toghu Marathoner, is on the verge of rewriting history. On March 25, 2025, he will become the first man to run a marathon in Antarctica while wearing Toghu, Cameroon’s traditional regalia, solidifying his status as a global icon in both sports and cultural advocacy.
With 18 marathons already completed across six continents, Fondzenyuy has logged over 757 kilometers, transforming his races into powerful campaigns for education, disability inclusion, and community development. His past efforts, including raising funds for a bridge in Ngondzen, North-West Cameroon, have already yielded tangible impact, with construction currently underway.
His breakthrough moment came when he set the Guinness World Record for the fastest marathon in traditional African attire at the Tokyo Marathon. Since then, his signature Toghu look has become a statement of identity, earning him recognition on the global stage of the Abbott World Marathon Majors.
Now, the Antarctic Ice Marathon presents a grueling test of resilience. With temperatures plummeting to -20°C, Fondzenyuy will battle not just the extreme cold but also the mental and physical demands of one of the most unforgiving terrains on Earth. The goal extends beyond personal glory—his run will raise funds for a school dedicated to children with special needs in Cameroon, reinforcing his commitment to education and inclusion.
“Every time I run in Toghu, I carry my people with me. Antarctica is more than just a race; it’s a statement of endurance, of culture, of breaking limits,” Fondzenyuy declared ahead of the marathon.
Currently en route from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world, he will soon board a vessel to Antarctica, where the ultimate test of willpower awaits. His achievements have already positioned him as a cultural and sports ambassador, with plans to donate his Guinness World Record-winning Toghu outfit to Cameroon’s National Museum—a move that cements his legacy as a national treasure.
The countdown has begun. As Fondzenyuy steps onto Antarctica’s icy expanse, he isn’t just chasing a finish line—he’s redefining what’s possible for an athlete, a culture, and a continent.
