Cameroon’s renowned global marathoner and cultural ambassador, Afowiri “Kitz” Fondzenyuy, has announced his next daring expedition: the Kilimanjaro Summit Marathon. This race marks the 20th marathon of his career and the completion of his historic mission to run across all seven continents, and doing so exclusively in the traditional Toghu attire.
Widely known as the “Toghu Marathoner,” Fondzenyuy has long used his athletic platform to drive tangible social change. The Kilimanjaro challenge is the centerpiece of a heartfelt fundraising campaign to establish Cameroon’s first Center for Neurodiversity.
The proposed center aims to support children with autism and other special needs while training teachers and parents in inclusive education practices.
“Africa is my home. It is where I can take our culture and our cause to the summit – 19,000 feet on Mount Kilimanjaro,” Fondzenyuy said. “This run is about showing that culture, compassion, and community can move the world forward.”
His past runs have already translated into life-changing infrastructure. Funds raised from previous marathons led to the construction and inauguration of two vital community bridges, the Tsenmah Bridge and the Ndzenkov Bridge in the Ngondzen community, in Cameroon’s Northwest region. These bridges have reconnected children to schools and families to markets, ending years of isolation during rainy seasons.
Fondzenyuy’s dedication has earned international recognition. In 2024, he secured a Guinness World Record at the Tokyo Marathon as the fastest man to complete a marathon in traditional attire. In a gesture of national pride, he donated the record-winning Toghu to the National Museum of Cameroon in June 2025, where it is now preserved as a national treasure.
The Kilimanjaro endeavor will be exceptionally grueling, involving nine days on the mountain – eight days of hiking and one full day of running at extreme altitude. While thousands of global participants are expected, Fondzenyuy will stand apart, both for his vibrant Toghu and the profound cause propelling each step.
Looking beyond Kilimanjaro, the marathoner’s vision continues to expand. Plans are already underway for the Yaoundé Cultural Marathon, a national initiative designed to merge sport, culture, and social impact. The event aims to inspire cross-generational participation and position Cameroon as a leading hub for cultural and inclusive sports tourism.
As Fondzenyuy prepares to make history on the slopes of Africa’s highest peak, his journey remains a compelling testament to how one individual’s passion can bridge continents, champion culture, and build a more inclusive future for Cameroon. The event will conclude in the early days of February.
