15 facts about Afowiri Fondzenyuy, the philanthropist who runs marathons to support underprivileged children

By: Fidelia Ukaegbu

Afowiri Kizito Fondzenyuy may not be a household name, but his incredible achievement in 2024 put him in the global spotlight, setting a Guinness World Record as the fastest marathon runner dressed in traditional Toghu attire. Born on December 26, 1972, in Bamenda, northwest Cameroon, to Mr. Dominic and Mrs. Suzanne Fondzenyuy, Afowiri has always been driven by a deep commitment to making a difference.

His passion for helping underprivileged children and people with disabilities in Africa led to creating the Amom Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting those in need. But his impact goes beyond marathon records—he has held significant positions, earned prestigious awards, and even contributed to building vital infrastructure for an underdeveloped community in Cameroon.

We take a closer look at the life, career, and achievements of Afowiri Fondzenyuy

1. He was born on December 26, 1972, to Mr John L. Fondzenyuy and Mrs Mariana Fondzenyuy in Bamenda, North Cameroon.

2. He is also an alumnus of Harvard Business School’s Advanced Management Programme 2014 (United States of America) and earned his Master’s degree in Finance, specializing in financial engineering, from Tulane University in 2009.

3. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from the University of Dschang and later pursued a Master’s degree in Business Administration and International Studies at the University of St. Thomas in Houston, Texas.

4. He is the founder of the African BBQ Sauce(ABS) in the United States

5.He founded Amom Foundation, a non-governmental organization committed to making a difference through initiatives like autism awareness, school construction, and the provision of educational materials in Cameroon. The foundation impacts the lives of 20,000 children every year.

6. He started participating in marathons in 2011 when he participated in the Thunder Road Marathon in Charlotte, North Carolina, to raise funds for underprivileged children.

7. He holds the Guinness World Record for the fastest marathon completed while wearing traditional Toghu attire.

8. He has participated in at least 19 marathons across six continents.

9.Since his first marathon, he has completed marathons in major cities including New York, Chicago, Berlin, London, Boston, Sydney, Tokyo, Medellín, Athens, and the Antarctica Marathon.

10. He was recognised by Henri Dikongué, award-winning singer Mr. Leo, and Christopher John Lamora during the 2024 Tokyo marathon .

11. He earned the prestigious Six Star Medal after completing all six Abbott World Marathon Majors: Berlin, Boston, Chicago, London, New York, and Tokyo.

12.Presidential Volunteer Service Award: In 2023, Fondzenyuy received the President’s Lifetime Achievement Award from the U.S. President for his dedicated volunteer work and public service. 

13. Marathons in Toghu Attire: Fondzenyuy has completed multiple marathons wearing Toghu, including races in London, Athens, Boston, Sydney, and Tokyo, showcasing Cameroonian culture globally.     

14. He got married to Alice N. Fondzenyuy in 1996.

15. Community Impact: Beyond marathons, Fondzenyuy’s initiatives have led to the construction of schools and the provision of educational materials in underserved Cameroonian communities.