Ghanaian Guinness World Record holder Abdul Hakim Awal, who holds the title for the longest time spent hugging a tree, has forever changed the dynamics of the challenge.
Following Awal’s impressive 24-hour, 21-minute accomplishment, the category has been upgraded to a marathon level. According to Guinness World Records, the title has been updated from “Longest Time to Hug a Tree” to “Longest Marathon Hugging a Tree.”
“Now that the record stands at 24 hours—the point at which record attempts are considered ‘marathons’—the title has been modified to ‘Longest Marathon Hugging a Tree.’
This means future challengers will be permitted breaks totaling up to two hours per day to combat the harmful effects of sleep deprivation,” the world record authority announced in a statement.
Awal did not take any breaks during his challenge, as the rules at that time did not allow them. He remained standing with his arms wrapped around the tree for 1,461 minutes.
His determination not only raised the bar for future challengers but also brought about a new rule allowing a two-hour break for every 24 hours in future attempts.
As the last holder of the “Longest Time to Hug a Tree” title, Awal believes he deserves to set another record under the new marathon title one day.
“Yes, of course! Since I modified the title to ‘Longest Marathon,’ I have to set a marathon record for that!” Awal stated.
However, before setting another record, Awal is focused on a new mission. He plans to replicate the lush green vegetation of southern Ghana in the northern regions.
Despite Ghana’s current focus on elections, he believes his recent recognition is timely, as it allows him to contribute to the ongoing conversation about the dry spell threatening food security in the country.
Awal is exploring the introduction of drought-resistant plant species that could become a major cash crop, like cocoa, through his planting efforts.
“Yes, of course! Since I modified the title to ‘Longest Marathon,’ I have to set a marathon record for that!” Awal stated.
However, before setting another record, Awal is focused on a new mission. He plans to replicate the lush green vegetation of southern Ghana in the northern regions.
Despite Ghana’s current focus on elections, he believes his recent recognition is timely, as it allows him to contribute to the ongoing conversation about the dry spell threatening food security in the country.
Awal is exploring the introduction of drought-resistant plant species that could become a major cash crop, like cocoa, through his planting efforts.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
