Briton becomes first person to run the length of Africa

A British man known as the hardest geezer” has finished running the entire length of Africa after a gruelling challenge that has taken nearly a year.

- ALEXANDER BUTLER

Russ Cook, from Worthing, West Sussex, was joined by supporters as he crossed the finish line in Ras Angela, Tunisia, the most northern point of the African continent, yesterday. He began his 16,000km (9,941-mile) journey from the most southern point of the continent, Cape Agulhas in South Africa, on 22 April 2023.

The 27-year-old has faced visa complications, health scares and an armed robbery in his bid to become the first person to run the full length of the continent. In the hours before completing the challenge he posted on the X social media platform: “Can’t believe it’s nearly over. See you at the shell garage soon boys & girls.”