British Adventurer Completes Epic 10,000-Mile Run Across Africa in Under a Year

After an arduous journey spanning nearly a year, Russ Cook, a British endurance athlete and charity fundraiser, triumphantly concluded his monumental run across Africa at its northernmost point in Tunisia this Sunday. Gathering on a rocky terrain by the Mediterranean, a crowd of enthusiastic supporters welcomed Cook, who traversed over 16,000 kilometers (approximately 10,000 miles) through 16 nations in 352 days.

Despite the physical toll, Cook, hailing from Worthing, Southern England, humorously remarked on his fatigue after completing a trek that saw him navigate through diverse terrains including jungles and deserts, circumvent conflict-ridden areas, and overcome numerous challenges such as theft, injuries, and bureaucratic hurdles.

Embarking on his journey from Cape Agulhas, South Africa's southernmost point, on April 22, 2023, Cook aimed to finish the run in 240 days, planning to cover more than a marathon's distance daily. However, his expedition faced significant obstacles, including a robbery at gunpoint in Angola and back pain in Nigeria, which temporarily slowed his pace. A visa complication nearly halted his progress into Algeria, but was resolved following intervention by the Algerian embassy in the UK.

Cook's motivation for the run extends beyond personal achievement; he has been vocal about his use of running as a tool for managing mental health issues. His previous endeavor involved running from Istanbul to Worthing in 68 days, covering about 3,000 kilometers (around 2,000 miles).

The run across Africa has successfully raised over 690,000 pounds (about $870,000) for two charities: the Running Charity, which supports homeless youth, and Sandblast, aiding displaced Western Sahara residents.

Reflecting on the journey, Cook shared his anticipation for a celebration on the beach, featuring a performance by the British band Soft Play and strawberry daiquiris, marking a well-deserved conclusion to his extraordinary feat.