Dodging machetes and crossing sandstorms, ‘Hardest Geezer’ runs length of Africa

Russ Cook, an endurance runner from the United States, embarked on an extraordinary journey in 2014 when he decided to run the entire length of Africa, from the northernmost tip in Morocco to the southernmost tip in South Africa. This monumental feat covered approximately 16,373 kilometers (10,172 miles) and involved traversing through sixteen different countries.

Cook's journey began on March 27, 2014, in the coastal city of Ceuta, a Spanish enclave in Morocco. He started his run with a sense of determination and a simple goal: to complete the longest recorded continuous run in history. However, his journey was far from easy.

As he made his way through Morocco, he encountered his first major challenge - machete-wielding villagers. In an interview with The Guardian, Cook recounted how a group of farmers, who believed he was a spy, chased him with machetes. He managed to escape by running as fast as he could, leaving behind his supplies and belongings.

After Morocco, Cook entered Algeria, where he faced another significant challenge - desert sandstorms. The Sahara Desert's harsh conditions tested his endurance, as he had to run through scorching heat during the day and freezing temperatures at night. The sandstorms made it difficult for him to breathe and forced him to take shelter in abandoned buildings or under trees whenever possible.

Despite these challenges, Cook continued his journey through Niger, Nigeria, Cameroon, Gabon, Congo-Brazzaville, Democratic Republic of Congo, Angola, Namibia, Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and finally South Africa. He faced numerous other challenges along the way, including crippling bouts of food poisoning that left him bedridden for days on end.

Throughout his journey, Cook relied on the kindness of locals for food and shelter. He carried a satellite phone to communicate with his support team back home, but he often had to go days without contact due to poor reception or lack of electricity.

Cook completed his run on December 22, 2014, in Cape Agulhas, South Africa, becoming the first person to run the entire length of Africa. His journey took him 227 days to complete, an average of just under a marathon (42.2 kilometers or 26.2 miles) per day.

Cook's incredible feat has been recognized by Guinness World Records as the longest recorded continuous run in history. His journey not only showcases his remarkable endurance but also highlights the resilience and kindness of the people he encountered along the way.