The Night Runner: A Man’s Epic Journey Across Africa
The challenge started at South Africa's most southern point and will end at Tunisia's most northern point.
A man running the length of Africa should run at night to avoid the heat of the Sahara Desert.
Russell Cook from Worthing, West Sussex, had originally planned to run 360 marathons in 240 days. After visa complications, health concerns, geopolitical issues, and an armed robbery, the 26-year-old was forced to change his route, extending the challenge.
Mr Cook stated that he would begin running at 19:00 local time (18:00 GMT) and finish around 05:00 (04:00 GMT) to reduce time spent in the sun and wind.
“It’s less of a strain, and it means that I should either reduce the risk of injury or increase the chance of being able to run further,” he said.
When asked if he minded missing out on the scenery, he replied, “I don’t care about the views. I’m interested in getting to Tunisia. I’ve got a lifetime of views.”
The extreme challenge began on April 22, 2023, at South Africa’s most southern point and is scheduled to end on April 7, 2023, at Tunisia’s most northern point.
Mr Cook, nicknamed “Hardest Geezer,” had planned to cover 9,320 miles (14,500 kilometers) during the challenge, crossing 16 borders, but the mission was extended due to complications.
He’s been running for over 310 days and is now in Mauritania. The challenge is in aid of The Running Charity and has raised £190,555 thus far.
