Russ Cook, an extreme marathon runner, finished his 352-day race across Africa in Tunisia on Sunday after passing through 16 countries, including being robbed at gunpoint and suffering from food poisoning.
The first person ever to run the entire length of Africa
Cook began his journey last April at Africa’s most southerly point, the South African village of L’Agulhas, and traveled along the continent’s west coast, covering approximately 16,000 kilometers.
“The first person ever to run the entire length of Africa. Mission complete,” Cook posted on X.
Russ Cook has also raised over £500,000 for charity along the way
The 27-year-old traveled via Namibia, Angola, the 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 refers to himself as the “Hardest Geezer,” has also raised over £500,000 for charity along the road.
“The main goal is to challenge yourself and do something incredible, which is what ‘Hardest Geezer’ is all about,” Givestar charity founder Simon Klima told Reuters.
Cook was accompanied by fans on the final part of his voyage, many of whom had come out specifically to see him.
“I saw the post on Instagram where he invited everyone out. It was a Sunday afternoon, I saw it and he said everybody can come,” Warren Blake from the U.S. said. “I just couldn’t miss a crazy historic opportunity like this.”
Cook, dressed in an England football jersey, arrived at the finish line to chants of “Geezer, geezer,” said, “I’m pretty tired,” and sipped a strawberry daiquiri.