Britain’s ‘Hardest Geezer’ becomes first person to run entire length of Africa
Russ Cook
Ultramarathoner Russ Cook, known as “Hardest Geezer,” from Worthing, West Sussex, United Kingdom has become the first person to run the full length of Africa after he crossed the finish line in Tunisia, reported the British media, on Sunday (Apr 7).
Crossing the finish line
The 27-year-old endurance athlete crossed the finish line on Sunday afternoon in Ras Angela, Tunisia, the most northern point of the African continent, nearly a year after he started.
“Can’t believe it’s nearly over. See you at the shell garage soon boys & girls,” he said, in a post on X, hours before he reached his destination. He had planned to celebrate with a party and a strawberry daiquiri.
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Cook has not only become the first person to run the full length of Africa but also raised more than £600,000 ($758,280) for charity.
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He reportedly finished the race to cheers of “Geezer, Geezer” and was accompanied by his supporters on the final leg of his journey which he had documented on social media. Cook had earlier announced that he would throw a party at the finish line at a hotel in Bizerte, Tunisia.
Initially planning to complete 360 marathons in 240 days, Cook faced several setbacks including visa issues as he crossed 16 African nations, health scares, geopolitical hurdles, and even an armed robbery.
The 27-year-old began his 16,000-kilometre journey, on April 22, 2023, from South Africa’s most southerly point, Cape Agulhas and nearly a year later, he has run the distance of about 376 marathons.
About Project Africa
Cook had sought to raise money for two charities, the Running Charity and Sandblast, through the Project Africa venture.
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The Running Charity provides support for young people who are experiencing homelessness or complex needs, and Sandblast, which raises awareness of the Saharawi people.
“How can you be tired when there’s this many people running with you?” he told Sky News, last Tuesday (Apr 2) and said that the challenge had been “the toughest in my life but an immense honour”.
However, Cook is no stranger to challenges. In 2019, he completed 71 marathons in 66 days as he ran from Istanbul to London raising £3,000 ($3,791) for charity. He also broke the world record for the fastest marathon run while pulling a car.
(With inputs from agencies)