Advertisement
Mombasa chef Yusuf Garani kicks off 130-hour Guinness World Record barbecue attempt
03rd August, 2026 04:48 PM
Mombasa-based chef Yusuf Garani has kicked off a 130-hour barbecue marathon in an ambitious bid to break the Guinness World Record for the Longest Barbecue Marathon.
The record attempt began on Sunday, August 2, 2026, at Swahilipot Hub in Mombasa, where Garani is aiming to surpass the current record of 98 hours and 8 minutes held by South African chef Gielle Basson.
On Monday, August 3, 2026, marking the second day of the challenge, Garani shared an update with his supporters, revealing that he was nearing the 24-hour milestone and thanking Kenyans for rallying behind his historic attempt.
“We are almost hitting 24 hours since we kicked off yesterday. The team is giving us power, and every walk-in from our amazing people is proof that we carry the same vision together,” Garani said.
The chef also appealed for continued support as he takes on the gruelling endurance challenge.
“Let’s keep supporting; in case of any support, send your contribution to our till 3545958,” he added.
Garani’s GWR bid
If Garani successfully completes the challenge in line with Guinness World Records guidelines, he will become the new holder of the Longest Barbecue Marathon title after grilling continuously for more than five days, eclipsing the existing record of 98 hours and 8 minutes.
The record attempt will run until August 8, 2026, at Swahilipot Hub in Mombasa and is open to the public free of charge. Organisers have also announced that a free barbecue will be available for all attendees throughout the event.
“Venue: Swahilipot Hub, Mombasa. Dates: August 2–8, 2026. Entrance: Free. Food: Free for all attendees,” Garani’s GWR poster reads.
What it takes to break the record
To claim the Guinness World Record, Garani must remain at the barbecue station for at least 130 hours, comfortably exceeding the existing record of 98 hours and 8 minutes.
Guinness World Records sets strict rules for endurance attempts to ensure fairness and transparency. Participants must continuously perform the activity throughout the challenge while following detailed guidelines issued before the attempt.
Record attempts are closely monitored, with official timekeepers, witnesses and extensive video documentation required to verify that all rules have been followed. Any significant breach of the guidelines can result in the attempt being disqualified.
Although participants are usually allowed short rest breaks accumulated over time under Guinness World Records rules, they must adhere to the official regulations governing the challenge for the attempt to be recognised.
Once the marathon ends, the evidence is submitted to Guinness World Records for review before an official decision is made on whether the record has been successfully broken.
