Man who ran length of Africa teases future challenge

A man who ran the entire length of Africa has teased a future challenge – running from the South Pole to the North Pole.

Russ Cook, nicknamed “Hardest Geezer”, completed his previous endurance challenge in April after 352 days despite complications with visas, health scares, geopolitical issues and an armed robbery.

The 27-year-old, from Worthing, West Sussex, has raised more than £1m for charity.

Five months on, Mr Cook has asked the public for ideas for his next challenge.

“Pole to pole has got to be up there. Start in the South Pole, cross Antarctica on foot, then swim across Drake Passage, run the America’s including the Darién Gap, cross over during winter to the North Pole,” he said on X, formerly Twitter.

“Two plus years of a marathon every day. Possible?”

Drake Passage, known as one of the most dangerous sea routes in the world, is 600 miles (1,000km) long.

Mr Cook added: “Never been swam before. Heard of a few mad men rowed it though. My feeling is that swimming it is possible.”

Mr Cook’s previous challenge began at South Africa's most southerly point on 22 April 2023, and finished more than 10,190 miles (16,400km) north in Tunisia.

He had originally planned to complete the equivalent of 360 marathons in 240 days but extended the challenge due to complications.

He is also to release a book, titled Mind Over Miles, detailing his experiences during the challenge.

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