British extreme marathon runner Russ Cook has become the first person to run the entire length of Africa, completing an epic 16,000-kilometer journey through 16 countries in 352 days.
Cook, 27, began his odyssey in April last year at L’Agulhas, the southernmost point of South Africa, and made his way up the west coast of the continent. Along the way, he faced numerous challenges, including being robbed at gunpoint and suffering from food poisoning.
His route took him through Namibia, Angola, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Republic of Congo, Cameroon, Nigeria, Benin, Togo, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Guinea, Senegal, Mauritania, Algeria, and finally to Tunisia’s Ras Angela, Africa’s northernmost point, where he arrived on Sunday evening.
“The first person ever to run the entire length of Africa. Mission complete,” Cook posted on social media platform X.
Known as the ‘Hardest Geezer,’ Cook undertook the grueling expedition not only to set a world record but also to raise funds for charity, amassing over half a million pounds along the way.
Cook’s extraordinary feat has inspired many around the world, highlighting the spirit of resilience and the diverse cultures and landscapes of the African continent.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
