Killjoys insist ‘Hardest Geezer’ Russ Cook ISN’T the first to run length of Africa…after ‘Dane took shortcut in 2010’

KILLJOYS have cast doubt over ‘Hardest Geezer’ Russ Cook’s claim to be the first person in history to run the length of Africa.

The ultramarathon runner completed his 10,130-mile trek from Cape Town to Tunisia on Sunday after 352 days.

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As he crossed 16 countries running the equivalent of 377 marathons, Russ, 27, faced several challenges including injuries, food poisoning and extreme temperatures.

He was even kidnapped and robbed at gunpoint during his journey.

The runner, from Worthing in West Sussex, started his trek from Cape Agulhas, on April 22, 2023 –  vowing not to cut his hair or beard until he was finished – and completed it yesterday.

But his claim has been thrown into doubt after a group of ultra-long distance runners claimed one of its members holds the record.

The World Runners Association (WRA) claimed that Jesper Olsen from Denmark deserved the title after running 7,949 miles from Taba in Egypt to the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa in 434 days in 2010.

Cook however argued that his journey, from Africa’s most southern to most northern point, was 2,113 miles longer than Olsen’s but the group insists Olsen was the first person to achieve the feat.

Olsen was 37 years old when he started his trek in the North Cape of Norway on December 28, 2008, and finished in Cape Spear, Canada on March 15, 2010.

Speaking to the Telegraph, the WRA argued that as the length of Africa “is calculated at 8,000km [4,971 miles] as the crow flies” and it doesn’t matter that Cook’s distance was longer.

The group’s President Phil Essam told the newspaper: “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.”

While Olsen said other WRA runners had also completed similar lengths – without taking any breaks like Cook did.

He said: “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.”

Another WRA member, Marie Leautey said the group had repeatedly tried to contact Cook during his run and despite congratulating him she said they didn’t want “Jesper’s achievement to be denied.”

Cook dubbed, “Africa’s Forrest Gump” was greeted by loved ones and fans as he crossed the finishing line in Tunisia.

Wearing a 90’s England football jersey, he told Sky News: “Bit tired. One final push. Finished and done.

“I’ve had a few tears this morning, so I’ve got it out the system.”

Russ decided to run across Africa during Covid, in a bid to raise £1million for charities supporting refugees and rough sleepers – he had raised over £700,000.

He says: “People reckon I’m nuts but, if I want to do something, I will do it regardless of how outlandish it seems.

“Quitting never even came into it. Not even thought of it.

“I decided to run Africa for my personal achievement and have some mad stories to tell — and I bloody well did it.

“I did it first and that makes me so proud. This was all about how far I could push my limits. It is more than just running across a whole continent.

Quitting never even came into it. Not even thought of it

Russ Cook

“When I started running, I didn’t like long distances, but I taught my body to get to the point where it could quite comfortably run all day long without much difficulty.

“Then came Africa. The blazing heat in the day and the freezing cold at night.

“Running on sand, through jungles, through sandstorms and snow storms and torrential downpours.

“I have passed blood for six days and suffered awful food poisoning, a bad back that only painkillers could cure, had visa nightmares, dehydration and suffered exhaustion.”

Cook started the final leg of his journey from a petrol station in Ghezala, Tunisia at 10am and told Sky News as he ran: “One more day, one final push to get this thing done.”

He added: “352 days on the road is a long time without seeing family, my girlfriend.

“My body is in a lot of pain but I’ve only got one day, I’m not about to complain. We’re going to have strawberry daiquiris on the beach tonight, it’s going to be unreal.”

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