{"id":25955,"date":"2024-04-07T12:16:14","date_gmt":"2024-04-07T16:16:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/newssprinters.com\/index.php\/world\/russ-cook-the-man-who-ran-the-length-of-africa\/07\/04\/2024\/"},"modified":"2024-04-07T12:16:14","modified_gmt":"2024-04-07T16:16:14","slug":"russ-cook-the-man-who-ran-the-length-of-africa","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/newssprinters.com\/index.php\/world\/russ-cook-the-man-who-ran-the-length-of-africa\/07\/04\/2024\/","title":{"rendered":"Russ Cook: The man who ran the length of Africa"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>\n<\/p>\n<div>\n<figure class=\"caas-figure\">\n<div class=\"caas-figure-with-pb\" style=\"max-height: 540px\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"caas-img-container caas-img-lightbox\" style=\"padding-bottom:56%\" data-lightbox-src=\"https:\/\/s.yimg.com\/ny\/api\/res\/1.2\/muYmOnOaBL45RcHZ7879rQ--\/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTE5NTI7aD0xMDk4\/https:\/\/media.zenfs.com\/en\/bbc_us_articles_995\/757c0bf7f81ffef25e4ce8809f4a055d\"><span class=\"caas-img-wrapper\"><button class=\"link caas-lightbox\" aria-label=\"View larger image\" data-ylk=\"sec:image-lightbox;slk:lightbox-open;elm:expand;itc:1\"><span class=\"openArrows icon\"><svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" viewbox=\"0 0 22 22\"><path d=\"M12.372 0.92C12.372 0.414 12.782 0.004 13.287 0.004L21 0L20.996 7.712C20.996 8.217 20.586 8.628 20.08 8.628C19.574 8.628 19.164 8.217 19.164 7.712V3.183L12.337 10.011L10.988 8.663L17.816 1.835H13.287C12.782 1.835 12.372 1.425 12.372 0.92ZM1.835 17.816L8.663 10.988L10.012 12.337L3.183 19.164H7.712C8.218 19.164 8.627 19.574 8.627 20.08C8.627 20.586 8.218 20.995 7.712 20.995L0 21L0.004 13.287C0.004 12.782 0.414 12.372 0.92 12.372C1.425 12.372 1.835 12.782 1.835 13.287V17.816Z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/button><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><figcaption class=\"caption-collapse\">Russell Cook, nicknamed &#8220;Hardest Geezer&#8221;, completed his run through Africa in 352 days [GUUS VAN VEEN]<\/figcaption><\/p>\n<\/figure>\n<p>Before he set off on the mammoth challenge to run the entire length of Africa, Russell Cook said he hoped to look back at his life and have no regrets.<\/p>\n<p>The 27-year-old from Worthing, in West Sussex, said he had struggled with his mental health, gambling and drinking, and wanted to &#8220;make a difference&#8221;.<\/p>\n<p>After running through 16 countries in 352 days, and countless complications later, the man nicknamed &#8220;Hardest Geezer&#8221; has raised in excess of \u00a3570,000 for charity and has completed his final run.<\/p>\n<h3>A change of plans<\/h3>\n<figure class=\"caas-figure\">\n<div class=\"caas-figure-with-pb\" style=\"max-height: 960px\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"caas-img-container caas-img-lightbox caas-img-loader portrait\" style=\"padding-bottom:100%\" data-lightbox-src=\"https:\/\/s.yimg.com\/ny\/api\/res\/1.2\/.Ll2l_hvVl4VZOKA_g_oHg--\/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTI0MDA7aD0yNDAw\/https:\/\/media.zenfs.com\/en\/bbc_us_articles_995\/deab959b7b30575b619b617695a62669\"><span class=\"caas-img-wrapper\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"caas-img caas-lazy has-preview\" alt=\"Russell Cook at South Africa's most southerly point\" src=\"https:\/\/s.yimg.com\/ny\/api\/res\/1.2\/w8kVMt1ff26V.7Zqrtj88A--\/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTk2MA--\/https:\/\/media.zenfs.com\/en\/bbc_us_articles_995\/deab959b7b30575b619b617695a62669\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Russell Cook at South Africa's most southerly point\" src=\"https:\/\/s.yimg.com\/ny\/api\/res\/1.2\/w8kVMt1ff26V.7Zqrtj88A--\/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTk2MA--\/https:\/\/media.zenfs.com\/en\/bbc_us_articles_995\/deab959b7b30575b619b617695a62669\" class=\"caas-img\"\/><button class=\"link caas-lightbox\" aria-label=\"View larger image\" data-ylk=\"sec:image-lightbox;slk:lightbox-open;elm:expand;itc:1\"><span class=\"openArrows icon\"><svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" viewbox=\"0 0 22 22\"><path d=\"M12.372 0.92C12.372 0.414 12.782 0.004 13.287 0.004L21 0L20.996 7.712C20.996 8.217 20.586 8.628 20.08 8.628C19.574 8.628 19.164 8.217 19.164 7.712V3.183L12.337 10.011L10.988 8.663L17.816 1.835H13.287C12.782 1.835 12.372 1.425 12.372 0.92ZM1.835 17.816L8.663 10.988L10.012 12.337L3.183 19.164H7.712C8.218 19.164 8.627 19.574 8.627 20.08C8.627 20.586 8.218 20.995 7.712 20.995L0 21L0.004 13.287C0.004 12.782 0.414 12.372 0.92 12.372C1.425 12.372 1.835 12.782 1.835 13.287V17.816Z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/button><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><figcaption class=\"caption-collapse\">Mr Cook initially planned to run 360 marathons in 240 days, with no rest days [HARRY GALLIMORE]<\/figcaption><\/p>\n<\/figure>\n<p>A lot has changed since Mr Cook set off from Worthing in February 2023.<\/p>\n<p>His initial plan to run from Tunisia to South Africa, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bbc.co.uk\/news\/uk-england-sussex-64447400?xtor=AL-72-%5Bpartner%5D-%5Byahoo.north.america%5D-%5Blink%5D-%5Bnews%5D-%5Bbizdev%5D-%5Bisapi%5D\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:completing 360 marathons in 240 days;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">completing 360 marathons in 240 days<\/a> with no rest days, was soon halted by a lack of an Algerian visa &#8211; a hindrance that would later resurface.<\/p>\n<p>But after a last-minute switch, he set off on foot from South Africa&#8217;s most southerly point on 22 April &#8211; a journey that would take him through cities, rainforests, mountains and the Sahara Desert.<\/p>\n<h3>Armed robbery<\/h3>\n<figure class=\"caas-figure\">\n<div class=\"caas-figure-with-pb\" style=\"max-height: 960px\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"caas-img-container caas-img-lightbox caas-img-loader portrait\" style=\"padding-bottom:100%\" data-lightbox-src=\"https:\/\/s.yimg.com\/ny\/api\/res\/1.2\/o7OIaLHgvfD9x12tUkP3DQ--\/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTI0MDA7aD0yNDAw\/https:\/\/media.zenfs.com\/en\/bbc_us_articles_995\/f2f4ec8877a06d9f2e7fc3c7a5cb0643\"><span class=\"caas-img-wrapper\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"caas-img caas-lazy has-preview\" alt=\"Russell Cook running alongside police car\" src=\"https:\/\/s.yimg.com\/ny\/api\/res\/1.2\/ubZZc_NZuKR_u3GYMrNP5w--\/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTk2MA--\/https:\/\/media.zenfs.com\/en\/bbc_us_articles_995\/f2f4ec8877a06d9f2e7fc3c7a5cb0643\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Russell Cook running alongside police car\" src=\"https:\/\/s.yimg.com\/ny\/api\/res\/1.2\/ubZZc_NZuKR_u3GYMrNP5w--\/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTk2MA--\/https:\/\/media.zenfs.com\/en\/bbc_us_articles_995\/f2f4ec8877a06d9f2e7fc3c7a5cb0643\" class=\"caas-img\"\/><button class=\"link caas-lightbox\" aria-label=\"View larger image\" data-ylk=\"sec:image-lightbox;slk:lightbox-open;elm:expand;itc:1\"><span class=\"openArrows icon\"><svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" viewbox=\"0 0 22 22\"><path d=\"M12.372 0.92C12.372 0.414 12.782 0.004 13.287 0.004L21 0L20.996 7.712C20.996 8.217 20.586 8.628 20.08 8.628C19.574 8.628 19.164 8.217 19.164 7.712V3.183L12.337 10.011L10.988 8.663L17.816 1.835H13.287C12.782 1.835 12.372 1.425 12.372 0.92ZM1.835 17.816L8.663 10.988L10.012 12.337L3.183 19.164H7.712C8.218 19.164 8.627 19.574 8.627 20.08C8.627 20.586 8.218 20.995 7.712 20.995L0 21L0.004 13.287C0.004 12.782 0.414 12.372 0.92 12.372C1.425 12.372 1.835 12.782 1.835 13.287V17.816Z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/button><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><figcaption class=\"caption-collapse\">Mr Cook and his team had cameras, phones, cash and passports stolen in Angola [GUUS VAN VEEN]<\/figcaption><\/p>\n<\/figure>\n<p>After ticking off South Africa and Namibia in 50 days, Mr Cook encountered his first major setback &#8211; an <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bbc.co.uk\/news\/articles\/cyxg2nz4eqlo?xtor=AL-72-%5Bpartner%5D-%5Byahoo.north.america%5D-%5Blink%5D-%5Bnews%5D-%5Bbizdev%5D-%5Bisapi%5D\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:armed robbery;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">armed robbery<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>He and his support team had cameras, phones, cash, passports and visas stolen in Angola on 24 June.<\/p>\n<p>However, as with many stumbling blocks he would face throughout the challenge, the ultrarunner vowed to soldier on.<\/p>\n<h3>Health scares<\/h3>\n<figure class=\"caas-figure\">\n<div class=\"caas-figure-with-pb\" style=\"max-height: 960px\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"caas-img-container caas-img-lightbox caas-img-loader portrait\" style=\"padding-bottom:100%\" data-lightbox-src=\"https:\/\/s.yimg.com\/ny\/api\/res\/1.2\/1De7kgT9nR349lvUVLKjXg--\/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTI0MDA7aD0yNDAw\/https:\/\/media.zenfs.com\/en\/bbc_us_articles_995\/92e086b8a961ee46b78b696c3df5d95e\"><span class=\"caas-img-wrapper\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"caas-img caas-lazy has-preview\" alt=\"Russell Cook having medical tests\" src=\"https:\/\/s.yimg.com\/ny\/api\/res\/1.2\/EgcwCiMb3_k3H_HspiyCsA--\/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTk2MA--\/https:\/\/media.zenfs.com\/en\/bbc_us_articles_995\/92e086b8a961ee46b78b696c3df5d95e\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Russell Cook having medical tests\" src=\"https:\/\/s.yimg.com\/ny\/api\/res\/1.2\/EgcwCiMb3_k3H_HspiyCsA--\/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTk2MA--\/https:\/\/media.zenfs.com\/en\/bbc_us_articles_995\/92e086b8a961ee46b78b696c3df5d95e\" class=\"caas-img\"\/><button class=\"link caas-lightbox\" aria-label=\"View larger image\" data-ylk=\"sec:image-lightbox;slk:lightbox-open;elm:expand;itc:1\"><span class=\"openArrows icon\"><svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" viewbox=\"0 0 22 22\"><path d=\"M12.372 0.92C12.372 0.414 12.782 0.004 13.287 0.004L21 0L20.996 7.712C20.996 8.217 20.586 8.628 20.08 8.628C19.574 8.628 19.164 8.217 19.164 7.712V3.183L12.337 10.011L10.988 8.663L17.816 1.835H13.287C12.782 1.835 12.372 1.425 12.372 0.92ZM1.835 17.816L8.663 10.988L10.012 12.337L3.183 19.164H7.712C8.218 19.164 8.627 19.574 8.627 20.08C8.627 20.586 8.218 20.995 7.712 20.995L0 21L0.004 13.287C0.004 12.782 0.414 12.372 0.92 12.372C1.425 12.372 1.835 12.782 1.835 13.287V17.816Z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/button><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><figcaption class=\"caption-collapse\">Mr Cook underwent medical tests in Nigeria for a recurring back pain [HARRY GALLIMORE]<\/figcaption><\/p>\n<\/figure>\n<p>Consistently running more than a marathon a day began to take its toll.<\/p>\n<p>After some minor tummy troubles in the early weeks, he was forced to take his first rest day after doctors found blood and protein in his urine on day 45.<\/p>\n<p>But it was recurring back pain that caused the most concern.<\/p>\n<p>On day 200, Mr Cook was forced to reduce his mileage and intensity at the request of a doctor in Nigeria &#8211; even missing consecutive days on day 205 and 206.<\/p>\n<p>But in true Hardest Geezer style, he was not to be stopped.<\/p>\n<p>He said: &#8220;I took a couple of days to get some scans. No bone damage so figured the only option left was to stop mincing about like a little weasel, get the strongest painkillers available and zombie stomp road again.&#8221;<\/p>\n<h3>Visa issues<\/h3>\n<figure class=\"caas-figure\">\n<div class=\"caas-figure-with-pb\" style=\"max-height: 960px\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"caas-img-container caas-img-lightbox caas-img-loader portrait\" style=\"padding-bottom:100%\" data-lightbox-src=\"https:\/\/s.yimg.com\/ny\/api\/res\/1.2\/.yfCgdFxq3CsR6MU1PtMxA--\/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTI0MDA7aD0yNDAw\/https:\/\/media.zenfs.com\/en\/bbc_us_articles_995\/d8b69cb416976cae48a618fff1791e6b\"><span class=\"caas-img-wrapper\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"caas-img caas-lazy has-preview\" alt=\"Russell Cook in northern Africa\" src=\"https:\/\/s.yimg.com\/ny\/api\/res\/1.2\/vAfTcGo14HoIq9EqwjFRMA--\/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTk2MA--\/https:\/\/media.zenfs.com\/en\/bbc_us_articles_995\/d8b69cb416976cae48a618fff1791e6b\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Russell Cook in northern Africa\" src=\"https:\/\/s.yimg.com\/ny\/api\/res\/1.2\/vAfTcGo14HoIq9EqwjFRMA--\/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTk2MA--\/https:\/\/media.zenfs.com\/en\/bbc_us_articles_995\/d8b69cb416976cae48a618fff1791e6b\" class=\"caas-img\"\/><button class=\"link caas-lightbox\" aria-label=\"View larger image\" data-ylk=\"sec:image-lightbox;slk:lightbox-open;elm:expand;itc:1\"><span class=\"openArrows icon\"><svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" viewbox=\"0 0 22 22\"><path d=\"M12.372 0.92C12.372 0.414 12.782 0.004 13.287 0.004L21 0L20.996 7.712C20.996 8.217 20.586 8.628 20.08 8.628C19.574 8.628 19.164 8.217 19.164 7.712V3.183L12.337 10.011L10.988 8.663L17.816 1.835H13.287C12.782 1.835 12.372 1.425 12.372 0.92ZM1.835 17.816L8.663 10.988L10.012 12.337L3.183 19.164H7.712C8.218 19.164 8.627 19.574 8.627 20.08C8.627 20.586 8.218 20.995 7.712 20.995L0 21L0.004 13.287C0.004 12.782 0.414 12.372 0.92 12.372C1.425 12.372 1.835 12.782 1.835 13.287V17.816Z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/button><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><figcaption class=\"caption-collapse\">Mr Cook\u2019s social media appeal caught the attention of Elon Musk, who purchased Twitter &#8211; now called X &#8211; in 2022 [GUUS VAN VEEN]<\/figcaption><\/p>\n<\/figure>\n<p>After overcoming everything in his path, it was a single piece of paper &#8211; an Algerian visa &#8211; that cast doubt over the entire challenge on day 278.<\/p>\n<p>Mr Cook was <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bbc.co.uk\/news\/uk-england-sussex-68068966?xtor=AL-72-%5Bpartner%5D-%5Byahoo.north.america%5D-%5Blink%5D-%5Bnews%5D-%5Bbizdev%5D-%5Bisapi%5D\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:forced to halt;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">forced to halt<\/a> while he waited to find out his fate as to whether he could secure permission to cross the border into Algeria from Mauritania.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;If we don&#8217;t get the visas, then it is game over,&#8221; he said at the time.<\/p>\n<p>His public appeal video on X, formerly Twitter, was seen by 11 million people &#8211; even catching the attention of the site&#8217;s owner Elon Musk, as well as MPs Tim Loughton and Alexander Stafford and the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bbc.co.uk\/news\/uk-england-sussex-68084883?xtor=AL-72-%5Bpartner%5D-%5Byahoo.north.america%5D-%5Blink%5D-%5Bnews%5D-%5Bbizdev%5D-%5Bisapi%5D\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:Home Office;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">Home Office<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>The increased attention on the challenge eventually paid off as the UK&#8217;s Algerian embassy announced he would <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bbc.co.uk\/news\/uk-england-sussex-68128561?xtor=AL-72-%5Bpartner%5D-%5Byahoo.north.america%5D-%5Blink%5D-%5Bnews%5D-%5Bbizdev%5D-%5Bisapi%5D\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:receive a courtesy visa;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">receive a courtesy visa<\/a> on the spot.<\/p>\n<h3>The final stretch<\/h3>\n<figure class=\"caas-figure\">\n<div class=\"caas-figure-with-pb\" style=\"max-height: 960px\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"caas-img-container caas-img-lightbox caas-img-loader portrait\" style=\"padding-bottom:100%\" data-lightbox-src=\"https:\/\/s.yimg.com\/ny\/api\/res\/1.2\/1exWR3gw8DyelgPXrJDeaA--\/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTI0MDA7aD0yNDAw\/https:\/\/media.zenfs.com\/en\/bbc_us_articles_995\/c20c1d907ec373271784b686fba7bb2d\"><span class=\"caas-img-wrapper\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"caas-img caas-lazy has-preview\" alt=\"Russell Cook running in the Sahara Desert\" src=\"https:\/\/s.yimg.com\/ny\/api\/res\/1.2\/oqRxuQ.ji2SZE1zDhJYBhg--\/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTk2MA--\/https:\/\/media.zenfs.com\/en\/bbc_us_articles_995\/c20c1d907ec373271784b686fba7bb2d\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Russell Cook running in the Sahara Desert\" src=\"https:\/\/s.yimg.com\/ny\/api\/res\/1.2\/oqRxuQ.ji2SZE1zDhJYBhg--\/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTk2MA--\/https:\/\/media.zenfs.com\/en\/bbc_us_articles_995\/c20c1d907ec373271784b686fba7bb2d\" class=\"caas-img\"\/><button class=\"link caas-lightbox\" aria-label=\"View larger image\" data-ylk=\"sec:image-lightbox;slk:lightbox-open;elm:expand;itc:1\"><span class=\"openArrows icon\"><svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" viewbox=\"0 0 22 22\"><path d=\"M12.372 0.92C12.372 0.414 12.782 0.004 13.287 0.004L21 0L20.996 7.712C20.996 8.217 20.586 8.628 20.08 8.628C19.574 8.628 19.164 8.217 19.164 7.712V3.183L12.337 10.011L10.988 8.663L17.816 1.835H13.287C12.782 1.835 12.372 1.425 12.372 0.92ZM1.835 17.816L8.663 10.988L10.012 12.337L3.183 19.164H7.712C8.218 19.164 8.627 19.574 8.627 20.08C8.627 20.586 8.218 20.995 7.712 20.995L0 21L0.004 13.287C0.004 12.782 0.414 12.372 0.92 12.372C1.425 12.372 1.835 12.782 1.835 13.287V17.816Z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/button><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><figcaption class=\"caption-collapse\">Mr Cook decided to run at night to avoid the heat of the Sahara Desert [GUUS VAN VEEN]<\/figcaption><\/p>\n<\/figure>\n<p>After the setbacks, all that separated Mr Cook and the finish line was the small task of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bbc.co.uk\/news\/uk-england-sussex-68023005?xtor=AL-72-%5Bpartner%5D-%5Byahoo.north.america%5D-%5Blink%5D-%5Bnews%5D-%5Bbizdev%5D-%5Bisapi%5D\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:Sahara Desert;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">Sahara Desert<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>The tarmac roads ran out, as did the signal and any signs of civilisation. But an <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bbc.co.uk\/news\/uk-england-sussex-68202917?xtor=AL-72-%5Bpartner%5D-%5Byahoo.north.america%5D-%5Blink%5D-%5Bnews%5D-%5Bbizdev%5D-%5Bisapi%5D\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:end date;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">end date<\/a> was set: 7 April, 2024.<\/p>\n<p>Ramping up his mileage to make up for lost time, Mr Cook made the decision to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bbc.co.uk\/news\/articles\/c51ex2gqplpo?xtor=AL-72-%5Bpartner%5D-%5Byahoo.north.america%5D-%5Blink%5D-%5Bnews%5D-%5Bbizdev%5D-%5Bisapi%5D\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:run through the night;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">run through the night<\/a> due to the intense daytime heat and sandstorms.<\/p>\n<h3>Party time<\/h3>\n<figure class=\"caas-figure\">\n<div class=\"caas-figure-with-pb\" style=\"max-height: 960px\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"caas-img-container caas-img-lightbox caas-img-loader portrait\" style=\"padding-bottom:100%\" data-lightbox-src=\"https:\/\/s.yimg.com\/ny\/api\/res\/1.2\/8h7Z_E6xR7quIBAm0gbc7g--\/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTIwNDg7aD0yMDQ4\/https:\/\/media.zenfs.com\/en\/bbc_us_articles_995\/acc868d4cea04831651d8456ae1d4a6d\"><span class=\"caas-img-wrapper\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"caas-img caas-lazy has-preview\" alt=\"Russell Cook in Africa\" src=\"https:\/\/s.yimg.com\/ny\/api\/res\/1.2\/N16czICWZQuY_NNjy95nEg--\/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTk2MA--\/https:\/\/media.zenfs.com\/en\/bbc_us_articles_995\/acc868d4cea04831651d8456ae1d4a6d\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Russell Cook in Africa\" src=\"https:\/\/s.yimg.com\/ny\/api\/res\/1.2\/N16czICWZQuY_NNjy95nEg--\/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTk2MA--\/https:\/\/media.zenfs.com\/en\/bbc_us_articles_995\/acc868d4cea04831651d8456ae1d4a6d\" class=\"caas-img\"\/><button class=\"link caas-lightbox\" aria-label=\"View larger image\" data-ylk=\"sec:image-lightbox;slk:lightbox-open;elm:expand;itc:1\"><span class=\"openArrows icon\"><svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" viewbox=\"0 0 22 22\"><path d=\"M12.372 0.92C12.372 0.414 12.782 0.004 13.287 0.004L21 0L20.996 7.712C20.996 8.217 20.586 8.628 20.08 8.628C19.574 8.628 19.164 8.217 19.164 7.712V3.183L12.337 10.011L10.988 8.663L17.816 1.835H13.287C12.782 1.835 12.372 1.425 12.372 0.92ZM1.835 17.816L8.663 10.988L10.012 12.337L3.183 19.164H7.712C8.218 19.164 8.627 19.574 8.627 20.08C8.627 20.586 8.218 20.995 7.712 20.995L0 21L0.004 13.287C0.004 12.782 0.414 12.372 0.92 12.372C1.425 12.372 1.835 12.782 1.835 13.287V17.816Z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/button><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><figcaption class=\"caption-collapse\">Mr Cook finished running the length of Africa on 7 April [GUUS VAN VEEN]<\/figcaption><\/p>\n<\/figure>\n<p>Months turned into weeks, and weeks turned into days.<\/p>\n<p>Finally, on Sunday afternoon, Mr Cook laced his trainers one last time &#8211; at least for now &#8211; as he set off for Tunisia&#8217;s most northerly point.<\/p>\n<p>Joined by supporters from across the world for the final marathon, Mr Cook completed the challenge.<\/p>\n<p>The celebrations will go long into the night &#8211; helped by a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bbc.co.uk\/news\/articles\/cj563nrz8nlo?xtor=AL-72-%5Bpartner%5D-%5Byahoo.north.america%5D-%5Blink%5D-%5Bnews%5D-%5Bbizdev%5D-%5Bisapi%5D\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:finishing party performance;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">finishing party performance<\/a> by British punk band Soft Play, formerly Slaves, at a hotel in Bizerte.<\/p>\n<p>And the Hardest Geezer will finally get his hands on the one thing he has been craving since day one &#8211; a strawberry daiquiri.<\/p>\n<hr\/>\n<p><em>Follow BBC Sussex on <\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/BBCSussex\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:Facebook;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">Facebook<\/a><em>,on <\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/BBCSussex\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:X;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">X<\/a><em>, and on <\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/bbcsussex\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:Instagram;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">Instagram<\/a>.<em> Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><img alt=\"\" height=\"1\" width=\"1\" style=\"display:block\" class=\"lazyload\" data-sizes=\"auto\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/i3.wp.com\/a1.api.bbc.co.uk\/hit.xiti\/?w=75&resize=75 75w, https:\/\/i3.wp.com\/a1.api.bbc.co.uk\/hit.xiti\/?w=100&resize=100 100w, https:\/\/i3.wp.com\/a1.api.bbc.co.uk\/hit.xiti\/?w=150&resize=150 150w, https:\/\/i3.wp.com\/a1.api.bbc.co.uk\/hit.xiti\/?w=240&resize=240 240w, https:\/\/i3.wp.com\/a1.api.bbc.co.uk\/hit.xiti\/?w=320&resize=320 320w, https:\/\/i3.wp.com\/a1.api.bbc.co.uk\/hit.xiti\/?w=500&resize=500 500w, https:\/\/i3.wp.com\/a1.api.bbc.co.uk\/hit.xiti\/?w=640&resize=640 640w, https:\/\/i3.wp.com\/a1.api.bbc.co.uk\/hit.xiti\/?w=800&resize=800 800w, https:\/\/i3.wp.com\/a1.api.bbc.co.uk\/hit.xiti\/?w=1024&resize=1024 1024w, https:\/\/i3.wp.com\/a1.api.bbc.co.uk\/hit.xiti\/?w=1280&resize=1280 1280w, https:\/\/i3.wp.com\/a1.api.bbc.co.uk\/hit.xiti\/?w=1600&resize=1600 1600w\" data-src=\"https:\/\/i3.wp.com\/a1.api.bbc.co.uk\/hit.xiti\/\"\/><\/div>\n<p><script async src=\"\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><script async src=\"\/\/www.instagram.com\/embed.js\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/sports.yahoo.com\/hardest-geezer-man-ran-entire-003328428.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Source link <\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Russell Cook, nicknamed &ldquo;Hardest Geezer&rdquo;, completed his run through Africa in 352 days [GUUS VAN VEEN] Before he set off on the<br \/><button class=\"read-more\"><a href=\"https:\/\/newssprinters.com\/index.php\/world\/russ-cook-the-man-who-ran-the-length-of-africa\/07\/04\/2024\/\">Read More &rsaquo;<\/a><\/button><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":25957,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_seopress_titles_title":"","_seopress_titles_desc":"","_seopress_robots_index":"","_seopress_robots_follow":"","_seopress_robots_imageindex":"","_seopress_robots_snippet":"","_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"","_seopress_robots_breadcrumbs":"","_seopress_robots_freeze_modified_date":"","_seopress_robots_custom_modified_date":"","_seopress_robots_canonical":"","_seopress_social_fb_title":"","_seopress_social_fb_desc":"","_seopress_social_fb_img":"","_seopress_social_fb_img_attachment_id":0,"_seopress_social_fb_img_width":0,"_seopress_social_fb_img_height":0,"_seopress_social_twitter_title":"","_seopress_social_twitter_desc":"","_seopress_social_twitter_img":"","_seopress_social_twitter_img_attachment_id":0,"_seopress_social_twitter_img_width":0,"_seopress_social_twitter_img_height":0,"_seopress_redirections_value":"","_seopress_redirections_enabled":"","_seopress_redirections_enabled_regex":"","_seopress_redirections_logged_status":"","_seopress_redirections_param":"","_seopress_redirections_type":0,"_seopress_analysis_target_kw":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-25955","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-world"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/newssprinters.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/25955","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/newssprinters.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/newssprinters.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/newssprinters.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/newssprinters.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=25955"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/newssprinters.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/25955\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/newssprinters.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/25957"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/newssprinters.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=25955"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/newssprinters.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=25955"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/newssprinters.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=25955"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}