Ultramarathon runner Russ Cook, also known as Hardest Geezer, is not your average runner. This fearless adventurer is currently crossing the entire length of Africa. Russ discovered his passion for extreme running after a friend convinced him to participate in a half marathon. Since then, he has never looked back. Over the last 345 days, Russ has completed nearly 376 marathons across the African continent and his journey is scheduled to end on April 7. Starting from the tip of South Africa in April 2023, the challenge will conclude in Bizerte, Tunisia. Despite facing challenges such as visa issues, health concerns and even robbery, Russ remained determined to complete the adventure.
Prior to Africa, he ran across Asia to London, drank beer after every mile and also pushed the boundaries by completing a marathon on crutches. Interestingly, his journey is also about making a difference in the world. With a big heart, Russ is raising funds for three charities, The Running Charity, Sandblast and WaterAid. As per his website, his efforts have garnered £430,080 (approximately Rs 4.50 Crore) and his plan is to raise £1,000,000 (approximately Rs 10 Crore). Donations are still being accepted through his fundraising page.
Called Project Africa, Russ Cook’s goal is to become the first person ever to run across Africa and cover almost 9000 miles from South Africa to Tunisia. This incredible journey took him across 16 countries. He travelled across some of the most challenging environments on Earth, including deserts, rainforests, savannahs, mountains and jungles. After completing the journey, Russ plans to celebrate with a massive party at the finishing line, where British punk band Soft Play will be performing in his honour.
Making the announcement on X, Russ wrote, “Cannot quite believe it but we’ve managed to pull off Soft Play playing the finish line party in Tunisia. 7th April at the Sidi Salem hotel in Bizerte. Anyone that can get themselves there is welcome. Get your daiquiris ready girls & boys this is gonna be mega.”
In August 2023, Russ Cook claimed he was kidnapped. As per Sun, he accidentally got separated from his support van and ended up in a rural area, where he was surrounded by men demanding money. Despite having nothing to offer, the villagers threatened him with machetes. After intense struggle, he managed to escape into the bush and crossed dense jungle to escape the danger. However, he came across two men on a motorcycle and took him on a seven hour ride deeper into the jungle. Eventually, he was taken to a village, where a group of men discussed his fate. Throughout the incident, he remained calm and tried to communicate with his team for rescue. Fortunately, his team organised a successful rescue operation.
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