Afowiri Kizito Fondzenyuy, affectionately known as the “Toghu Marathoner” for his signature traditional attire from Cameroon’s North West region, proved once again that the spirit of community is at the heart of his running journey. During the recent Medellin Marathon in Colombia, Afowiri paused his own race to help a struggling runner cross the finish line—a selfless act that quickly became the defining moment of his marathon experience. “Others ignored him, but I couldn’t,” Afowiri explained, emphasizing that his purpose goes beyond personal records. “I run for a different reason.”
This moment of compassion resonated deeply with spectators and fellow athletes alike, cementing Afowiri’s reputation not only as a marathoner but as a true ambassador of empathy and resilience. The Medellin course, one of the most grueling he’s ever faced, challenged runners with steep hills, rain, heat, high altitude, and humidity. Yet, for Afowiri, the crowd’s chants of “Africa,” “Cameroon,” and “Taghu” carried him through the demanding race. “It felt easy thanks to the great people who became Toghu fans,” he shared, reflecting on the warmth he felt from the Colombian crowd.
Earlier in 2024, Afowiri captured the world’s attention when he completed the Tokyo Marathon, setting a Guinness World Record as the fastest person to run a marathon in Toghu. Tokyo also marked a personal milestone for him as he received the prestigious Abbott Six Star Major medal for completing the six major marathons: Berlin, Boston, Chicago, London, New York, and Tokyo. With this accomplishment, Afowiri became one of only a few runners to achieve this feat in traditional attire, adding a cultural layer to an already extraordinary journey.
With 18 marathons across five continents to his name, Afowiri is now gearing up for his next, possibly most challenging, adventure: the icy landscapes of Antarctica in 2025. “Running in Antarctica will be a game changer,” he noted, acknowledging that the extreme conditions will demand a new level of physical and mental endurance. Completing a marathon on the frozen continent will make it his sixth, further solidifying his place as one of the world’s most inspiring marathoners.
Beyond the physical challenges, Afowiri’s journey symbolizes more than personal achievement. For him, each race is a platform to embody his values of community, compassion, and cultural pride. Reflecting on his mission, he shared, “The finish line isn’t just about personal victory; it’s about helping others cross it too.” As he prepares for Antarctica, Afowiri continues to inspire globally, illustrating that true victory lies in perseverance, empathy, and a commitment to something greater than oneself.
