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7th April 2024
05:29pm BST
After 352 long hard days, the Hardest Geezer, real name Russ Cook, has finally completed his mission to run the entire length of Africa.
The 27-year-old, who hails from Worthing in the UK, first set out on his mission to run the length of the continent last year.
He started at the southernmost point of Africa and has ran some 387 marathons on his journey to the finishing line at Ras Angela in Tunisia.
Covering a distance of more than 16,000 km, the runner has traversed 16 different countries and ran the equivalent of more than a third of the planet’s circumference.
During his journey, Cook has come across many challenges, including being robbed of his passport, phone and camera at gunpoint, being kidnapped and facing visa troubles.
However, through all these challenges, he has made it to the finish line and solidified his place in history.
It’s not the first time Cook has tried something crazy. He has previously become the first person to run from Asia to London back in 2019.
16,250km
— Russ Cook (@hardestgeezer) April 6, 2024
351 days
385 marathons
16 countries
£574k raised for charity
We’ve come a long way. One last push tomorrow for the record books🫡 pic.twitter.com/ZCrp8Xr20m
Cook has also taken on other challenges such as completing a marathon while on crutches, and smashing the record for the quickest time completing a marathon while hauling a car, finishing the 26 miles in an impressive nine hours and 56 minutes.
At the time of writing, the Brit has raised just under £670,000 for charity thanks to his efforts. The money will go to Sandblast, which is dedicated to empowering Saharawi in the UK, and The Running Charity, which helps homeless people and those with complex needs through the power of running.
If you would like to donate money to Cook’s fundraiser, you can do so here.
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