AS ANGELA, Tunisia (AP) — Fatigued and coated in sand, yet triumphant, Russ Cook, a runner, reached the northernmost tip of Africa after nearly a year of running from the continent's southern extremity. In northern Tunisia, by the Mediterranean, a group of supporters gathered on a rocky outcrop to cheer on the British charity runner, who completed over 16,000 kilometers (10,000 miles) across 16 countries in 352 days.
"I'm a bit tired," Cook said, downplaying his exhaustion. Throughout his journey, the 27-year-old endurance athlete from Worthing, southern England, navigated jungles and deserts, avoided conflict zones, and overcame obstacles such as theft, injury, and visa issues.
Known on social media as Hardest Geezer, Cook began his journey on April 22, 2023, from Cape Agulhas in South Africa, the continent's southernmost point. Initially aiming to finish in 240 days, he ended up running more than a marathon's distance every day
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Having spoken about how running helped him manage his mental health struggles, Cook had previously run approximately 3,000 kilometers (2,000 miles) from Istanbul to Worthing in 68 days. His African run raised over 690,000 pounds ($870,000) for the Running Charity, which assists homeless youth, and Sandblast, a charity aiding displaced people from Western Sahara.
Reflecting on his journey, Cook told Sky News as he began the final stretch on Sunday, accompanied by supporters who had traveled from afar to run with him, "It’s hard to describe, 352 days on the road, a long time away from family, my girlfriend. My body is in pain. But one more day, I won't complain." Cook planned to celebrate with a party featuring a performance by British band Soft Play.
"We’re going to have strawberry daiquiris on the beach tonight," he said. "It’s going to be unforgettable."