10,000 miles and 352 days later, a UK man reaches his goal of running the length of Africa

Sore and covered in sand but filled with triumph, runner Russ Cook arrived at the northernmost point of Africa on Sunday, nearly a year after embarking on a journey from its southern tip to run the length of the continent.

A crowd of supporters gathered on a rugged outcrop beside the Mediterranean in northern Tunisia, enthusiastically cheering on the British charity fundraiser. Cook has traversed more than 16,000 kilometers (10,000 miles) across 16 countries in 352 days.

"I'm feeling a bit weary," Cook remarked, his statement likely downplaying the immense physical and mental challenges he had endured.

During his epic adventure, the 27-year-old endurance athlete from Worthing, southern England, navigated through jungles and deserts, circumvented conflict zones, and faced setbacks such as theft, injuries, and visa complications.

Known by his social media moniker, Hardest Geezer, Cook embarked on his journey on April 22, 2023, from Cape Agulhas in South Africa, the continent's southernmost point. His initial goal was to complete the expedition in 240 days, maintaining a pace equivalent to more than a marathon daily.

His journey was marred by adversities. Cook and his team experienced a gunpoint robbery in Angola, resulting in the loss of money, passports, and equipment. He encountered temporary setbacks due to back pain in Nigeria. The lack of a visa to enter Algeria almost derailed his quest, but intervention from the Algerian embassy in Britain secured the necessary documents.

Running has been Cook's outlet for managing his mental health challenges. Previously, he ran approximately 3,000 kilometers (2,000 miles) from Istanbul to Worthing in 68 days.

His African odyssey has raised over 690,000 pounds ($870,000) for the Running Charity, aiding homeless young people, and Sandblast, a charity supporting displaced individuals from Western Sahara.

Reflecting on his journey, Cook expressed his gratitude and anticipation for the culmination of his monumental effort. "It's difficult to articulate, 352 days on the road, away from family, my girlfriend," he shared with Sky News as he embarked on the final leg of his run, joined by supporters from various places. "My body is exhausted, but one more day, and I won't complain."

Cook planned to celebrate with a party featuring a performance by British band Soft Play. "We're going to enjoy strawberry daiquiris on the beach tonight," he enthused. "It's going to be an unforgettable experience."