Russ Cook, also known by his moniker ‘Hardest Geezer’, has captured the attention and admiration of many for his extraordinary endurance challenges. In 2022, he made headlines by becoming the first person to run from Asia to London, a feat that set the stage for his next audacious endeavor: running the entire length of the African continent.
In April 2023, Cook embarked on what is dubbed ‘Project Africa’ , a journey that began in South Africa, with the goal of running north up the west coast through numerous countries, including Namibia, Angola, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of the Congo, Cameroon, Nigeria, Benin, Togo, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Guinea, Senegal, Mauritania, Algeria, and culminating in Tunisia. This monumental task is the equivalent of completing 360 marathons in 240 days.
The purpose of Cook’s grueling run extends beyond personal achievement; he is driven by a desire to make a positive impact. Through “Project Africa,” Cook aims to raise significant funds for two charities: The Running Charity, which supports young homeless individuals, and WaterAid, which works to make clean water, reliable toilets, and good hygiene normal for everyone, everywhere.
To date, Cook’s efforts have raised over £190,000 for these causes. Cook’s journey has been fraught with challenges, including logistical issues, health scares, and even a terrifying encounter where he and his team were robbed at gunpoint.
Despite these obstacles, Cook has shown remarkable resilience, adapting his running schedule to the harsh Saharan conditions by starting his runs shortly after dusk to avoid the brutal daytime heat and wind. As Cook nears the end of his epic journey, with the ‘finish line’ in Tunisia approaching, his story serves as a testament to the human spirit’s capacity for endurance, compassion, and the desire to make a difference in the world.
Cook’s updates and experiences are shared with a growing community of supporters and followers through social media, offering a window into the extraordinary challenges and triumphs of his journey.