Ministry Warns Kenyans as Tree-Hugging and Ultra-Marathons Surge

The Ministry of Health has issued an urgent public health advisory, cautioning Kenyans against the rising trend of extreme physical endurance activities, ranging from ultra-marathons to prolonged “tree-hugging” contests without proper medical clearance.

Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards, Ms. Mary Muthoni, released the statement on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, following a surge in interest in high-intensity physical feats.

The Ministry warned that while these activities are often pursued for fitness or environmental awareness, they can pose life-threatening risks to the unprepared.

Also Read: Another Kenyan Starts 50-Hour Tree Hugging Challenge

Over January, more than 100 Kenyans have participated in the tree-hugging challenge after the 72-hour record holder Truphena Muthoni broke the record on Thursday, December 11, 2026.

The advisory follows a growing interest in demanding activities such as prolonged tree-hugging endurance activities, mountaineering, ultra-marathons, long-distance cycling and running, military-style boot camps, heat-exposure challenges, and high-altitude trekking.

“Kenya’s environmental conditions,s including high temperatures in arid regions and rugged, high-altitude terrain, heighten the risk of heat stress, electrolyte imbalance, and cardiovascular strain,” the Ministry stated.

Also Read: Why the Government Will Close Some Schools

Environmental Conditions 

The government identified that Kenya’s environmental conditions, including high temperatures, arid and semi-arid regions, rugged terrain, and high-altitude areas, can further heighten the risk of heat stress, dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, altitude illness, overuse injuries, and cardiovascular strain, especially among individuals with undiagnosed or poorly controlled chronic conditions.

“Participants are urged to stop activity immediately and seek medical attention if they experience warning signs such as chest pain, fainting, confusion, collapse, severe shortness of breath, symptoms of heat stroke, dark-coloured urine with muscle pain, or severe headaches and vomiting at altitude,” the ministry stated.

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AI Generated Image of A Person Hugging A Tree. PHOTO/ File