The Cameroonian long-distance runner and cultural advocate made the landmark announcement while speaking during a symbolic ceremony at the National Museum in Yaounde yesterday where he officially donated his symbolic Toghu attire to the nation. Afowiri Kizito Fondzenyuy said the marathon is aimed at promoting national identity and valorizing Cameroon’s rich cultural heritage through sport.
Cameroonian long-distance runner and cultural advocate Afowiri Kizito Fondzenyuy, widely known as the Toghu Marathoner, has announced the creation of a new sporting and cultural event: the Yaoundé Cultural Marathon, set to take place in 2026. He made the announcement during a symbolic ceremony held at the National Museum in Yaoundé on July 23, where he officially donated his now-famous Toghu attire to the Cameroonian state. The highly symbolic outfit, an elaborately embroidered regalia native to the North West Region of Cameroon, was worn by Afowiri when he set the Guinness World Record for the fastest marathon run in traditional attire at the 2024 Tokyo Marathon. His gesture to hand over the iconic ensemble was received by Prof. Blaise Jacque Nkene, Secretary General at the Ministry of Arts and Culture, representing the Minister. Speaking emotionally at the event, Afowiri said his act was driven by a desire to preserve a piece of Cameroon’s cultural and sporting legacy. “This is legacy,” he said. “It’s not about me. Each time I run out there, it’s to represent our country, our culture, and the future. There’s no better place for this relic than the National Museum, where generations can come and be inspired to run or represent their culture in their own way.”
A cultural, social mission
The upcoming Yaoundé Cultural Marathon, Afowiri said, will be more than a race. It will be a celebration of Cameroonian identity, entrepreneurship, and social responsibility. “There will be training programs, coaching sessions, and opportunities for small businesses to sell their products,” he explained. “We’re creating a platform where health, culture, and community development converge. That’s what makes this different.” He also announced that the marathon would serve as a platform to raise awareness on autism, a cause he has recently embraced after discovering the staggering number of undiagnosed or unsupported autistic children in Cameroon. “There are about 800,000 kids in Cameroon on the autism spectrum. Many of them aren’t receiving the attention they need. Through the marathon, we want to educate parents, teachers, and the community to better understand and support these children. All children are our children—no matter how they learn.” Afowiri, who began running competitively at the age of 40, said he quit drinking at 50 because of the discipline the marathon instilled in him. “It’s never too late to start,” he encouraged. “The marathon changed my life. Now, I want it to change others’ lives as well, through health, education, and entrepreneurship.”
Ministry salutes Diaspora
In his keynote address, Prof. Blaise Jacque Nkene praised Afowiri’s gesture and recognized the broader significance of his actions. “This ceremony salutes the excellence of the positive diaspora,” Nkene said. “Mr. Afowiri Kizito has promoted the traditional attire of his native land on international platforms, entering the record books as the fastest person to complete a marathon in traditional clothing. His initiative aligns perfectly with the Head of State’s call for unity and cultural pride.” Nkene also emphasized that the Ministry of Arts and Culture, under the leadership of President Paul Biya, has worked tirelessly over the past two years to revitalize the National Museum, making it a space of cultural mediation and collective memory. “This outfit is more than fabric. It is a living testimony of our history and a symbol of Cameroon’s cultural wealth,” he added. “The Ministry is proud to safeguard it as part of our national heritage.”
Afowiri: More than a marathoner
Born in Bamenda in December 1972, Afowiri Kizito Fondzenyuy, is more than a runner. He is a cultural ambassador, philanthropist, and humanitarian whose work has impacted communities both in Cameroon and abroad. After completing his early education at Sacred Heart College and Covent High School, Afowiri pursued a bachelor’s degree at the University of Chang. His academic journey later took him to the United States, where he earned two master’s degrees—one in International Business and the other in Finance and Engineering. But it is in the world of endurance sports that he found his true calling. In 2011, Afowiri began running marathons as a way to raise funds for community development projects. Through his Amun Foundation, he has provided educational support, health awareness, and infrastructure such as school buildings and bridges in rural Cameroon. His appearance at the 2024 Tokyo Marathon in Toghu attire, where he set a world record, catapulted him into international headlines. That moment marked a turning point, not just in his career, but in the way the world viewed African culture and athleticism.
“If I ran in Nike or Adidas, we wouldn’t be here today,” he remarked during the ceremony. “Wearing Toghu was intentional. It represented who I am and where I come from.” Afowiri is now calling on both the Cameroonian government and private sector to support the 2026 Yaoundé Cultural Marathon, a vision he believes can help transform not only the capital city but the national conversation on culture, health, and youth empowerment. “We’re hoping everyone supports us so we can make this a big reality,” he said. “This is not just about running. It’s about building a healthier, more united, and culturally proud Cameroon.” The marathon, according to him, will serve as an annual event with lasting economic, educational, and social impact.
