US-based Cameroonian long distance runner, Afowiri Kizito Fondzenyuy, 52, recently did his 19th international marathon, dressed in the traditional Toghu outfit – to raise funds for charity back home.
Known as the “Toghu Marathoner,” Fondzenyuy, 52, defied harsh weather conditions of his running career to complete the Antarctica Marathon – his 19th international marathon on his sixth continent in an official time of 6 hours, 52 minutes, and 47 seconds on March 25, 2025.
Battling Antarctica’s extreme cold, relentless winds, and a rugged, icy terrain, the Cameroonian athlete even slipped and fell during the race. But got back up to finish.
“This was the hardest marathon I have ever done,” he admitted. “Every part of it – physically and mentally – was punishing, but quitting was never an option.” Staying true to his signature style, Fondzenyuy ran in “Toghu,” a richly embroidered traditional regalia association with people from the grassfield regions of Cameroon.
The race was the more challenging for Fondzenyuy as the Antarctica’s brutal climate, the freezing air stiffened the fabric, adding weight to an already heavy outfit, making his quest for the finish line even more grueling.
“At some point, I felt like I was carrying a suit of armor,” he said. “The cold had turned my Toghu into something almost unmovable, but I kept pushing.”
The historic run adds to an already remarkable career that saw Fondzenyuy earn a Guinness World Record in Tokyo, Japan in March 2024 where he completed the Abbott World Marathon Majors while running in Toghu. But beyond personal achievements, he took on the Antarctica Marathon with a greater purpose – to raise awareness and funds to build a school for children with special needs in the crisis-rocked North West Region of Cameroon.
Having conquered six continents, covered 757 kilometers in official marathons, and set a new milestone, Fondzenyuy is now just one continent away from the prestigious Seven Continents Marathon Challenge. From the streets of Tokyo to the ice fields of Antarctica, his story continues to inspire a generation of runners and change-makers alike.
“This is more than running – it’s about making a difference,” he said. “Every step I take is a step closer to building a future for children who deserve the best education and opportunities.”
