For Zainab Oladipo, food has always told a story. Now, the Kamloops chef and Thompson Rivers University (TRU) graduate is hoping her next story will be one for the record books—literally. 

She’s aiming to cook for 300 consecutive hours to earn a Guinness World Record, while sharing flavours from across the globe through African-inspired dishes. 

Oladipo, the chef-owner of Afrofusion, is preparing to attempt a 300-hour cooking marathon in Kamloops, with the goal of setting a Guinness World Record for the longest continuous cooking session by an individual. 

Scheduled to begin July 29 and conclude August 12, the event will see Oladipo prepare dishes inspired by the cuisines of every country, interpreted through African cooking traditions. 

“This is bigger than just cooking,” said Oladipo. “It’s about storytelling. It’s about sharing where I come from, highlighting the strength of our community, and showing how food can bring people together across cultures and continents.” 

The marathon will be hosted at Afrofusion on Victoria street in Kamloops and livestreamed for global audiences. In addition to attempting a world record, the initiative aims to showcase Kamloops’ growing cultural landscape and encourage community engagement. Food prepared during the marathon will be shared with the public at no cost. 

Community members are invited to support the event by volunteering, donating resources or attending in person. 

Oladipo, who graduated from TRU in 2021, has built her business around cultural fusion and inclusivity. While the cooking marathon represents a personal milestone, it also serves as a broader celebration of cultural expression and community support.