Hardest Geezer joins prime minister on run

Russ Cook has raised more than £1m for charity

A man who ran the entire length of Africa was joined by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on a run around London landmarks.

After complications with visas, health scares, geopolitical issues and an armed robbery, Russell Cook, nicknamed “Hardest Geezer”, crossed the finish line in Tunisia on 7 April after 352 days.

The 27-year-old, from Worthing, West Sussex, has raised more than £1m ($1.24m) for charity.

The prime minister described the ultrarunner as "powerful" and "inspiring".

The pair met inside No 10 Downing Street before jogging through Horse Guards Parade and Buckingham Palace.

In a video posted to X, formerly Twitter, Mr Sunak called Mr Cook a "role model" after they discussed ways in which they each manage their mental health.

"That's why you are incredibly powerful in this. You talking about your journey and your story, which is incredibly inspiring,” he said.

He added that Mr Cook's fundraising journey had impacted members of the public "more than any amount of government policy".

Russ Cook, nicknamed “Hardest Geezer”, crossed the finish line in Tunisia on 7 April

Mr Cook’s extreme 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.

Mr Cook is raising money for The Running Charity and Sandblast.

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