In a Nedd Brockmann-esque move, British runner Russell Cook — dubbed the “Hardest Geezer” — has successfully become the first-ever person to run the full length of Africa, crossing the finish line in Tunisia after just under a year.
The 27-year-old Worthing native previously admitted to struggling with his mental health, drinking, and gambling in the past, and set out to “make a difference.” 352 days, 16 countries, 19 million steps (16,000+ kilometres), and over £700,000 raised for charity later… safe to say, the man has gotten the job done.
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“It’s quite hard to put into words, 352 days on the road, long time without seeing family, my girlfriend. My body is in a lot of pain. But one more day, I’m not about to complain,” Russell Cook told Sky News as he embarked upon the final stretch of his historic effort.
“You get one chance at life. Go and have a stab at it.”
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As you can imagine, it hasn’t been the easiest of journies. Sheer distance and rough terrains aside, between visa issues in Algeria which almost threatened to derail the entire endeavour (and was only resolved through diplomatic intervention); the armed robbery of his support team — cameras, phones, cash, passports, visas, and all — in Angola; as well as the odd health scare, there was no shortage of drama.
The endurance athlete can now enjoy what he’s been craving since Day 1: a strawberry daiquiri on the beach.
