Man becomes first person to run the length of Africa after more than 350 days

The 'Hardest Geezer' has well and truly lived up to his name by completing a mammoth run across the entire length of Africa.

Russ Cook started the almighty challenge on 22 April 2023, beginning in South Africa.

After 352 days and 16,400km distance covered, he has now crossed the finishing line in Ras Angela, Tunisia.

Cook has successfully gone from the most southerly point to the most northerly point in a record-breaking run.

Alongside his outstanding achievement, the 27-year-old has raised more than £570,000 for charity.

The journey, which works out at more than 360 marathons, has inevitably not been without its fair share of hurdles.

Russ and his crew were robbed at gunpoint in Angola, with cameras, mobile phones, money, passports and visas all taken.

He was also forced to rest on doctor's orders after blood and protein was found in his urine 45 days in.

Image: Getty

The West Sussex ultrarunner also encountered back problems which brought about scans and two days of rest at one stage.

There were also difficulties securing a visa to get into Algeria but a massive social media appeal led to the UK's Algerian embassy giving him a courtesy visa which allowed him to cross the border from Mauritania.

Russ has ran through the Sahara Desert, rainforests and mountains and after his last marathon saw him joined by fellow runners, he will now look forward to a celebratory strawberry daiquiri.

After taking a swift dip into the ocean, Cook told Sky News: "It was good, I'm a bit tired."

According to the BBC, a planned party at the hotel will feature a performance from British punk band Soft Play.

He deserves the kudos of all kudos on Strava.