Afowiri Fondzenyuy

Afowiri Kizito Fondzenyuy (born 26 December 1972) is a Cameroonian Philanthropist, social entrepreneur, charity fundraiser, and marathon enthusiast, who runs marathons in Toghu attire to raise funds for various charitable causes. He holds the Guinness World Record for the fastest marathon run in traditional Toghu attire. and is an Abbott Major Marathon Six Star finisher.

Early life and education
Afowiri Kizito was born on December 26, 1972, in Bamenda, northwest Cameroon. He attended several primary schools in Cameroon, including those in Bafoussam and Yaoundé. In 1990, he completed secondary school at Sacred Heart College in Mankon, and subsequently attended high school at GHS Mbengwi in Cameroon. Afowiri earned a Bachelor's degree in Economics from the University of Dschang in Cameroon, and a Master's degree in Business Administration and International Studies from the University of St. Thomas in Houston, Texas, USA, in 2006.

Career and Guinness World Record
Afowiri began participating in marathons, in 2011 when he participated in the Thunder Road Marathon in Charlotte, North Carolina, United States to raise funds for underprivileged children. He also took part in the Houston Marathon in 2017, Boston and Sydney Marathon in 2023. In 2024, Afowiri set a Guinness World Record for marathon running, becoming the first man to hold the record for the fastest marathon run completed while wearing a Toghu attire. Afowiri completed the marathon in 4 hours and 24 minutes.

Afowiri received support from high-profile Cameroonians, including Henri Dikongué, award-winning singer Mr. Leo, and Christopher John Lamora, who cheered him after the Tokyo 2024 Marathon.

Honors
In 2023, Afowiri was honored with the Presidential volunteer Service Award, also known as the President's Lifetime Achievement Award, for his volunteer work dedicated to public service.

Charitable activity and Fundraising
Fondzenyuy is also known for his involvement in various charitable activities. He has supported numerous initiatives including, Awareness for autism, the construction of schools, and the provision of didactic materials to schools in Cameroon. In 2006, he established a non-governmental organization known as the Amom Foundation

In 2024, Fondzenyuy participated in the Tokyo Marathon, japan, part of the World Marathon Majors (WMM) series, to raise funds. The funds from the event aimed to build bridges in Cameroon to enhance infrastructure and connectivity in some areas.