New Delhi, April 8: Russ Cook, the English endurance athlete nicknamed “Hardest Geezer,” became the first person ever on Sunday to crisscross the African continent from south to north, covering a distance of 16,000 km in 350 days.
The 27-year-old started this challenge, named “Project Africa,” on April 22, 2023, in South Africa, and concluded in Tunisia.
“It was quite overwhelming yesterday. There were so many people here and we had so much support. I’ve tried to soak it all in and enjoy it.” Russ told reporters.
In 350 days, Cook ran through 16 countries in Africa. Before this challenge, Russ had completed 71 marathons in 66 days through 11 countries and also became the first person to run from Asia to London in 2019.
During his Project Africa, Russ Cook has already raised for charity nearly 700,000 euros, which he hopes will swell to a million.