Russell Cook has completed his nearly year-long challenge of running the entire length of Africa, culminating in crossing the finish line in Tunisia on Sunday. The man from West Sussex had originally planned to run from Tunisia to South Africa, completing 360 marathons in 240 days with no rest days, however this was derailed by a lack of an Algerian visa. After a last-minute switch he set off from South Africa’s most southerly point instead, covering 16 countries in 352 days and raising over £570,000 for charity. At 27 years old, Cook nicknamed the “Hardest Geezer” had struggled with mental health, gambling, and drinking, and felt determined to make a difference.
Mr Cook and his team had several setbacks along the way, including encountering an armed robbery in Angola where cameras, phones, cash, passports, and visas were stolen. He faced health scares that nearly stopped his progress altogether, including being forced to reduce his mileage due to recurring back pain, and taking his first rest day after doctors found blood and protein in his urine. Mr Cook even had to halt his progress for several weeks while waiting for an Algerian visa to cross the border from Mauritania.
The intensive running regimen eventually took its toll on Mr Cook’s body, and he was forced to ramp up his mileage to make up for the lost time. To avoid the heat and sandstorms in the Sahara Desert, he made the decision to run through the night. Mr Cook enjoyed a celebratory performance by punk band Soft Play, formerly Slaves, after crossing the finish line. He will soon get his hands on his long-awaited delicacy, a strawberry daiquiri.
Mr Cook’s run has raised awareness and funds for various charitable organizations. Cooking On A Budget, The Sussex Snowdrop Trust, and Tusk all received donations from the proceeds of the run.
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More