Englishman Completes Year-Long Run Across Africa Despite Robbery, Illness, and Men with Machetes
Russ Cook, a 27-year-old Englishman, has completed an incredible feat by running from the southernmost point of Africa in South Africa to the northernmost point in Tunisia. However, his journey was far from easy as he faced numerous challenges along the way.
Cook set off on his epic run on April 22, 2023, from Cape Agulhas, South Africa, and finally reached Cape Angela, Tunisia, on Sunday. Throughout his journey, he encountered robbery, illness, and even men with machetes.
In Angola, Cook was robbed at gunpoint while taking a break with his crew in the support van. Despite losing money, phones, and a camera, Cook and his team were unharmed. In Namibia, he suffered from food poisoning, and in the Republic of Congo, he was accosted by men with machetes. Additionally, he faced visa issues in Algeria.
Despite these hardships, Cook persevered and passed through 16 countries, mostly sticking to the west side of the continent for safety reasons. Along the way, he raised 690,000 pounds for the Running Charity and Sandblast, organizations that support homeless youth and the Indigenous people of Western Sahara, respectively.
Cook’s journey, spanning 10,100 miles, was not without its setbacks. He experienced back pain, food poisoning, and other health issues, leading to more rest days than planned and a decrease in daily mileage. However, he still managed to average 29 miles a day.
While Cook’s run was billed as the first traverse of the continent, the World Runners Association noted that a Danish athlete had achieved a similar feat in 2010 by a different route. Despite this, Cook is recognized as the first to run from the southernmost to northernmost point of Africa.
After completing his ultra-ultramarathon, Cook celebrated with a strawberry daiquiri and a few beers. Looking ahead, he plans to take a break from running and get a haircut. Reflecting on his journey, Cook described it as “a bit of a mad one” with “plenty of ups and downs.”
Despite the challenges he faced, Cook’s determination and resilience have inspired many. As he takes a well-deserved break, his incredible journey across Africa will be remembered as a testament to the power of human endurance and perseverance.
