British runner Russ Cook, centre, celebrates with supporters after arriving to the finish line in Ras Angela, the most northern point of the African continent, in Tunis, Tunisia, Sunday, April 7, 2024. Cook — known on social media by his nickname, Hardest Geezer — has run more than 16,000 kilometers (10,000 miles), from the south to north of Africa, in 352 days.
| Photo Credit: AP

Extreme marathon runner Russ Cook completed his run across the entire length of Africa in Tunisia on Sunday after travelling through 16 countries, with the 352-day odyssey including being robbed at gunpoint and suffering food poisoning.

Mr. Cook started his adventure last April at Africa’s most southerly point, the South African village of L’Agulhas, and proceeded up the continent’s west coast, running a total of over 16,000 kilometres.

“The first person ever to run the entire length of Africa. Mission complete,” Mr. Cook posted on social media platform X.

The 27-year-old passed through Namibia, Angola, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of Congo, Cameroon, Nigeria, Benin, Togo, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Guinea, Senegal, Mauritania and Algeria, before arriving at Ras Angela on Sunday evening.

The endurance athlete, who calls himself the “Hardest Geezer”, has also raised more than half a millions pounds for charity along the way.

“The main goal is to challenge yourself and do something incredible which is what ‘Hardest Geezer’ is all about,” Simon Klima of Givestar charity platform told Reuters.

“Simultaneously raise a lot of money for some really important causes, that’s happening on the Givestar platform, so we are very privileged to have that happening there.

“So far nearly 600,000 pounds ($758,160.00) has been raised for two charities, Sandblast and the Running charity. Hopefully, going to hit a million pounds, Mr. Russ will hit a million pounds with his fundraiser, that’s the target.”

Mr. Cook was accompanied by supporters on the final leg of his journey, many of whom had flown out especially to be there.

“I saw the post on Instagram where he invited everyone out. I was laying on my couch, it was a Sunday afternoon, I saw it and he said everybody can come,” Warren Blake from the U.S. told Reuters.

“I just couldn’t miss a crazy historic opportunity like this.”

Mr. Cook, wearing an England football jersey, arrived at the finish to chants of “Geezer, geezer”, telling reporters: “I’m pretty tired”, before enjoying a well-earned strawberry daiquiri.

Ultramarathon runner Russ Cook, also known as “Hardest Geezer,” is about to achieve a remarkable feat: running the entire length of Africa. This ambitious journey, dubbed Project Africa, will see him become the first person to ever complete such a trek. Cook began his adventure on 22 April, 2023 at the southern tip of South Africa and is expected to reach the finish line in Bizerte, Tunisia, on April 7th. Project Africa is an epic undertaking, spanning nearly 9,000 miles and taking him across a staggering 16 African countries.

Yesterday, he posted on Twitter that he was on the verge of completing his continent-spanning marathon in approximately five days.

“5 days to go. The last 347 days running through Africa have no doubt been the toughest of my life, but such an immense honour,” he tweeted.

5 DAYS TO GO.

The last 347 days running through africa have no doubt been the toughest of my life, but such an immense honour.

We have met incredible people in every single country we’ve been to that have welcomed us with love & kindness. The human spirit is a beautiful thing.… pic.twitter.com/bss7yU3FRl

— Russ Cook (@hardestgeezer) April 2, 2024

According to BBC, Mr Cook had originally planned to complete 360 marathons in 240 days.After complications with his visas, health scares, geopolitical issues and an armed robbery, he was forced to change his route, extending the challenge.

Cook’s passion for extreme running was sparked by a friend. Since then, he’s tackled challenges like running across Asia and even a beer-fueled marathon. Project Africa isn’t just about the distance; Cook is also raising money for charities. The challenge is in aid of The Running Charity and has raised 427000 pounds (Rs 4,47,62324) so far.

Despite facing visa issues, health problems, and even robbery, Cook’s determination hasn’t wavered. His journey has taken him through deserts, rainforests, and mountains, pushing him to his limits. A celebratory party with a performance by British punk band Soft Play awaits him at the finish line. This is one ultramarathon that will be remembered.