Renowned Kenyan chef Maliha Mohammed’s quest to break the Guinness World Record (GWR) for the Longest Cooking Marathon by an Individual ended in disqualification due to a single error made during her rest break.
In November 2023, Maliha embarked on her second attempt to break the record, aiming to endure 150 hours of continuous cooking. The existing record stood at 119 hours, 57 minutes, and 16 seconds, set by Ireland’s Alan Fisher on November 7.
Displaying remarkable resilience, Maliha surpassed her own previous record of 90 hours and 15 minutes set in 2019, hitting the 150-hour mark during her marathon cooking session.
However, Maliha’s hopes were dashed when she announced on Saturday, April 13, via social media that she had been disqualified for a single error made during her rest break. Expressing her disappointment, she apologized to her supporters and acknowledged the setback.
Guinness World Records (GWR) confirmed the disqualification, citing Maliha’s accumulation of additional minutes during her rest break, which contravened the guidelines. GWR emphasized the importance of adhering to all guidelines for the fair assessment of record attempts.
Maliha had aimed to break Alan Fisher’s previous record achieved in Matsue, Shimane, Japan, from September 28 to October 3, 2023, where he cooked for 119 hours, 57 minutes, and 16 seconds, surpassing Nigeria’s Hilda Baci’s record of 93 hours, 11 minutes.
During her cooking marathon, Maliha faced adversity, experiencing a health scare that briefly led to her fainting. However, she remained resolute, buoyed by her team’s support and her own determination to push through challenges.
Despite the disqualification, Maliha remains undeterred, vowing to bounce back stronger and more determined. Her journey exemplifies resilience and determination, inspiring others to persevere in the face of setbacks.
Maliha’s disqualification serves as a reminder of the rigorous standards upheld by Guinness World Records and underscores the challenges inherent in attempting record-breaking feats. While her quest for the longest cooking marathon may have ended prematurely, Maliha’s spirit and determination continue to shine bright as she looks ahead to new opportunities and endeavors.
