He did it! 'Hardest Geezer' Russ Cook finishes gruelling challenge to run length of Africa

An English bloke who goes by the moniker of "Toughest Fella" has successfully completed a demanding feat of running the entire stretch of Africa. This challenging venture took him almost a year to accomplish.

On Sunday, Russ Cook successfully completed his journey by reaching Ras Angela in Tunisia, which happens to be the northernmost point of the African continent. Followers and well-wishers accompanied him to the finish line, adding to his triumph. Russ hails from Worthing, West Sussex.

After going for a swim in the ocean, he informed Sky News that he felt decent, but a tad exhausted.

On April 22, 2023, he embarked on a 16,000km (9,941 mile) expedition from the southernmost tip of South Africa, Cape Agulhas.

The individual who is 27 years old had expressed his intention to be the pioneer of running the entire stretch of Africa, on the condition that he succeeded in completing the task.

He has traveled through 16 nations and covered a running distance of approximately 376 marathons.

A person who was supporting Mr Cook during his run mentioned that it made them realize the passing of time. In the time Mr Cook ran, this person's wife became pregnant, gave birth, and now has a two-month-old baby. It made them understand the value of time and how it can bring big changes in life.

He said, "I'm unable to speak."

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Before finishing the challenge, Mr Cook shared a message on a social media platform called X, saying: "Can't believe it's almost done. I'll meet you all at the gas station soon, guys and gals."

Mr Cook, who has collected over £600,000 for two charitable organizations, has not only dealt with arduous conditions of high temperatures and bodily fatigue.

While in Angola, he experienced a traumatic event when him and his team were confronted by individuals who were armed with firearms. These assailants took items from them such as cameras, phones and passports.

In August, he disappeared and was stranded away from his team for several days in the wilderness of the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Finally, they succeeded in releasing him by giving money to locals who possessed sharp cutting tools.

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He resorted to using social media in January to acquire a visa for crossing the boundary between Mauritania and Algeria.

He stated that he may have to end his journey if he wasn't granted a visa, as he saw no alternative means of reaching the topmost point of Africa.

Following an extensive social media outreach, the Algerian Embassy made public their commitment to issue him a complimentary visa "immediately," allowing him unrestricted entry.

On the last day of his challenge, Mr Cook called on his backers to join him for the final marathon.

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Additionally, Mr Cook revealed that he intends to host a celebration to mark his accomplishments at a lodging located in the city of Bizerte, Tunisia.

At the event, rock band Soft Play, previously recognized as Slaves and composed of Laurie Vincent and Isaac Holman, will be doing a live show.

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He has collected a significant amount of funds while participating in Project Africa, all of which will be given to two charitable organizations. The first is The Running Charity, which assists young individuals with intricate needs or those who are without shelter by providing them with mental health support. The second is Sandblast, which increases awareness about Sahrawi culture.

Even though running across Africa was his most difficult task, it was not his initial one.

When he was 22 years old, Mr Cook jogged all the way from Asia to England and amazingly finished a total of 71 marathons in just 66 days.

Before venturing to run from Asia to England, he had only participated in the Brighton Marathon.