An environmental activist from Kampala, Uganda, has set a world record for the longest time to hug a tree.
Faith Patricia Ariokot wrapped her arms around a tree trunk for 16 hours 6 seconds to become the first official holder of the record.
She attempted this challenge to encourage others to plant trees, and to highlight the need for humans to protect them.
“They are the greatest soldiers in the fight against climate change,” Faith said.
“The tree chose me, and it was like love at first sight,” she explained. “When I saw the tree, I knew it was the one I would go for.”
This record differs slightly from ‘longest marathon’ records, such as the longest cooking marathon, where challengers accumulate five minutes of rest time after each continuous hour of activity.
Record attempts are considered to be ‘marathons’ only when they exceed 24 hours in length.
Thus, Faith was not permitted any breaks – her arms could not be released from the tree at any point, and she was required to stand for the entire duration of the record attempt.
