After nearly a year of relentless running, Russ Cook, the British charity fundraiser famously known as “Hardest Geezer,” achieved a remarkable feat on Sunday as he reached the northernmost point of Africa. Cook’s journey began almost 352 days ago when he embarked on an audacious quest to run the length of the continent, starting from its southern tip.
As Cook arrived at the rocky outcrop beside the Mediterranean in northern Tunisia, he was greeted by a crowd of enthusiastic supporters who had gathered to cheer him on. Despite being sore and sandblasted from the arduous journey, Cook expressed his gratitude for the warm reception, though he admitted feeling a bit tired, a modest statement considering the magnitude of his accomplishment.
Over the course of his epic adventure, the 27-year-old endurance athlete from Worthing, England traversed more than 16,000 kilometers (10,000 miles) across 16 countries, encountering a myriad of challenges along the way. From navigating through dense jungles to braving scorching deserts and negotiating conflict zones, Cook’s journey was fraught with obstacles, including theft, injury, and visa complications.
Setting off on April 22, 2023, from Cape Agulhas in South Africa, Cook had initially aimed to complete the expedition in 240 days, averaging more than a marathon’s distance each day. However, his ambitious timeline was disrupted by various setbacks, including a harrowing gunpoint robbery in Angola, debilitating back pain in Nigeria, and visa issues in Algeria, which nearly derailed his progress until diplomatic intervention saved the day.
Cook, who has been open about how running has helped him cope with mental health challenges, previously undertook a 3,000-kilometer run from Istanbul to Worthing in 68 days. His latest endeavor, the African run, has not only tested his physical endurance but also served as a platform for raising funds and awareness for charitable causes.
Through his remarkable journey, Cook has raised over 690,000 pounds ($870,000) for the Running Charity, which supports homeless young people, and Sandblast, an organization aiding displaced individuals from Western Sahara.
Reflecting on his extraordinary accomplishment, Cook expressed his gratitude for the support he received throughout his journey, acknowledging the sacrifices and challenges he faced along the way.
“It’s quite hard to put into words, 352 days on the road, long time without seeing family, my girlfriend,” Cook said. He added, “My body is in a lot of pain. But one more day, I’m not about to complain.”
As he crossed the finish line amidst cheers and applause, Cook looked forward to celebrating his achievement with a well-deserved party on the beach, where he planned to unwind and revel in the momentous occasion with British band Soft Play set to perform.
“We’re going to have strawberry daiquiris on the beach tonight,” he said. “It’s going to be unreal.”
Despite the physical toll and time away from loved ones, Cook remained resilient, embodying the spirit of determination and perseverance that defined his epic African odyssey.
Melissa Enoch
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