Extreme marathon runner Russ Cook accomplished his journey across the entire expanse of Africa, culminating in Tunisia on Sunday. The 352-day odyssey saw him traverse 16 countries, despite encountering challenges such as being robbed at gunpoint and enduring bouts of food poisoning along the way.
Commencing his expedition last April from Africa’s southernmost point, the village of L’Agulhas in South Africa, Mr. Cook embarked on his journey up the continent’s western coast, covering a staggering distance of over 16,000 kilometers.
“On the social media platform X, Mr. Cook proclaimed, ‘The first person ever to run the entire length of Africa. Mission complete.'”
At 27 years old, he journeyed through Namibia, Angola, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Republic of Congo, Cameroon, Nigeria, Benin, Togo, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Guinea, Senegal, Mauritania, and Algeria, finally reaching Ras Angela on Sunday evening.
During his expedition, the endurance athlete, known as the “Hardest Geezer,” also raised over half a million pounds for charity.
“The primary aim is to push your limits and accomplish something extraordinary, which embodies the essence of ‘Hardest Geezer,'” stated Simon Klima of the Givestar charity platform to Reuters.
“Simultaneously raising a significant amount of money for crucial causes is taking place on the Givestar platform, and we’re honored to facilitate that,” stated a representative.
“Thus far, almost £600,000 ($758,160.00) has been raised for two charities, Sandblast and the Running Charity. We hope to reach the one million pound mark with Mr. Russ’s fundraiser; that’s the goal.”
Mr. Cook was joined by supporters on the last stretch of his expedition, with many flying out specifically to be there.
“I saw the post on Instagram where he invited everyone out. I was lying on my couch, it was a Sunday afternoon, I saw it and he said everybody can come,” said Warren Blake from the U.S. to Reuters.
“I just couldn’t miss such a crazy historic opportunity.”
Mr. Cook, clad in an England football jersey, reached the finish line to chants of “Geezer, geezer,” informing reporters: “I’m pretty tired,” before indulging in a well-deserved strawberry daiquiri.
