Worthing man running length of Africa announces end date

The extreme challenge began at South Africa's most southerly point and will finish at Tunisia's most northerly point

A man running the length of Africa has announced the date he is expected to finish the challenge.

Russell Cook, from Worthing in West Sussex, had planned to complete the length of 360 marathons in 240 days.

But complications with visas, health scares, geopolitical issues and an armed robbery, meant the 26-year-old was forced to extend the challenge.

"Finally got a finish date locked in. 7 April 2024," Mr Cook announced on X, formerly Twitter.

"The first person ever to run the entire length of Africa. It's happening," he said.

Russell Cook was forced to pause his challenge after he was robbed at gunpoint in Angola

The extreme challenge began at South Africa's most southerly point on 22 April and will finish at Tunisia's most northerly point.

Mr Cook, nicknamed "Hardest Geezer", had originally aimed to cover 9,320 miles (14,500km) during the challenge, crossing 16 borders.

Last week, Mr Cook secured a visa to cross the border into Algeria from Mauritania, enabling him to continue the challenge.

He is on day 290 of the challenge, which is in aid of The Running Charity and has raised more than £165,000 so far.

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