Claim of First Full-Length Africa Run by West Sussex Man’s Challenged

A running organization has refuted Russ Cook, also known as Hardest Geezer,’s claim that he is the first person to run the entirety of Africa. Mr. Cook crossed 16 countries when he ran 10,100 miles from Cape Agulhas in South Africa to Ras Angela, Tunisia, in 352 days – the equivalent of 385 marathons.

But the World Runners Association (WRA) contests that Mr. Cook was the first person to achieve the record, claiming Jesper Kenn Olsen of Denmark completed the length of Africa in 2010.

Mr. Olsen ran 7,949 miles from Taba in Egypt to the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa in 434 days as part of an ultramarathon in which he ran across the world.

The WRA is a small group of seven members that calls itself the “international governing body for the sport of multi-day solo running and walking events that involve a circumnavigation of the Earth on foot”.

Its president, Phil Essam, said: “The WRA recognises Mr Jesper Kenn Olsen of Denmark as the first person to have run the full length of Africa. “The World Runners Association, therefore, contests the claim made by British national Mr. Russ Cook to be the first person to run the length of Africa.”

Mr. Cook’s route, from Africa’s southernmost point to Africa’s northernmost point, was allegedly longer than Mr. Olsen’s by 2,113 miles. But the WRA says this “doesn’t matter” because the length of Africa “is calculated at 4,971 miles as the crow flies”.

The group said it has “no problem” with Mr. Cook claiming to be the first person to go from the continent’s most southern point to its most northern.

Mr. Olsen said that two other WRA members Serge Girard, from France, and Tony Mangan from Ireland, had also completed the feat.

He told The Telegraph: “Serge Girard, in his world run crossed five continents and completed his run without one single day off during the entire run.

“To compare this with Russ Cook’s run through Africa where there were several days off – I think, with all respect – is in itself a bit of a stretch, to compare a half-marathon with a full marathon.

“So for me, it’s not about putting attention on myself. But to put the right scale to things so recreational runners can get an idea of where the maximal limits are in ultra-running. And hopefully, get inspired.”

Mr. Cook arrived in Ras Angela, Tunisia’s most northerly point, at around 4.40 pm on Sunday and was greeted with shouts and cheers from those who had flown out to meet him.

Speaking to Sky News at the finish line, the endurance athlete said: “I’m pretty tired.”

Mr. Cook set off from South Africa’s most southerly point on April 22 2023, and faced visa complications, health scares, and an armed robbery in his bid to become the first person to run the length of the continent.

Throughout the venture, called Project Africa, he has raised more than £690,000 for the Running Charity and Sandblast.

Mr. Cook also announced he will be throwing a finish line party to celebrate his achievements at a hotel in Bizerte, Tunisia.

The party is set to feature a performance by the rock band Soft Play, formerly known as Slaves, comprising Laurie Vincent and Isaac Holman.

Last Tuesday, Mr. Cook said on X that the challenge had “no doubt been the toughest of my life” but an “immense honour”.

“We have met incredible people in every single country we’ve been to that have welcomed us with love & kindness. The human spirit is a beautiful thing,” he wrote.

“Very grateful for these experiences and would definitely encourage anyone out there to go get after that adventure, whatever it looks like for you.

“Thank you to the people of Africa for being such an amazing part of this journey.”

Mimi Mefo Info