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UK Runner Approaches Final Stretch in Cross-Africa Marathon
Prince Jean
Monday, April 8, 2024


Russ Cook, a British endurance athlete known as the "Hardest Geezer", embarked on the final stage of his monumental run across Africa on Sunday, starting from Bizerte, Tunisia, with the aim of concluding his charitable journey at Cape Angela, the continent's northernmost point.
Beginning his extraordinary challenge in April of the previous year from Cape Agulhas, South Africa's southernmost tip, Cook has traversed the vast expanse of Africa, covering over 16,000 kilometers. He entered Tunisia on Thursday night, setting the stage for the culmination of his extensive trek.
On Sunday, the 26-year-old was accompanied by a group of supporters who ran alongside him, marking the commencement of the concluding segment of his journey.
Cook's endeavor is dedicated to raising funds for two charitable organizations: The Running Charity, which assists young individuals facing homelessness or complex needs, and Sandblast, which focuses on raising awareness and support for the indigenous Saharawi people of Western Sahara.
In the lead-up to the final leg of his run, Cook witnessed a significant increase in contributions, with the total donations surpassing £650,000 ($808,832), edging closer to his £1 million fundraising target.