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Who is Hardest Geezer Russ Cook and when did the YouTube star finish Project Africa?
The YouTube star had a very dangerous encounter during his attempt to run across Africa
AFTER 352 days, Russ Cook has successfully completed his run from Cape Agulhas in South Africa to Ras Angela, Tunisia.
Known as the Hardest Geezer, the adventurer claims to be the first individual ever to run the entire length of Africa.
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Who is Russ Cook?
Born in 1997, Russ Cook is an athlete and YouTube star who hails from Worthing in West Sussex.
He began his love of extreme running after a friend encouraged him to take part in the Brighton half marathon - and he has never looked back.
Russ also has a huge following on his popular Instagram handle @hardestgeezer.
On there he keeps his fans up-to-date with his latest extreme challenge.
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How did Hardest Geezer get his name?
Russ Cook is nicknamed the Hardest Geezer thanks to the incredible challenges he has taken on.
Prior to his Project Africa challenge, Russ was best known for becoming the first person to run from Asia to London in 2019.
He also completed 71 marathons in 66 days as travelled from Istanbul, Turkey, to Worthing, passing through a total of 11 countries.
Amazingly, Russ has also completed a marathon on crutches, ran a marathon while drinking a beer after each mile and was buried alive for a week.
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Is Russ Cook in a relationship?
Yes, Russ is in a relationship but the identity of his girlfriend remains a mystery.
Throughout Project Africa, he has been sharing sweet messages to show his appreciation for her.
In August 2023, he wrote on X: "Tell you what’s harder than running the entire length of Africa.
"Being the girlfriend of the bloke running the entire length of Africa. My girl is an absolute diamond.
"Put her through the emotional wringer daily. Deserves the world and everything in it.
"Can’t wait to share a strawberry daiquiri with her on a Tunisian beach and tell her how beautiful she is.
"Would be in a mental asylum somewhere in Congo without her."
On April 7, 2024, she met him at the finish line in Ras Angela, Tunisia.
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Why did 'Hardest Geezer' Russ Cook participate in Project Africa?
Called Project Africa, Russ' quest was to "become the first person ever to run the full length of Africa,", while raising money for charity.
The race, which was about 9000 miles is from the tip of South Africa to Tunisia.
It’s about throwing everything and the kitchen sink at life. It’s about learning & sharing cultures and showing people that dreams don’t always have to stay dreams.
Russ Cook
Speaking previously about his quest, he wrote on social media: "Project Africa is about lots of things. It’s about a seeing how far I can push my limits.
"It’s about throwing everything and the kitchen sink at life. It’s about learning & sharing cultures and showing people that dreams don’t always have to stay dreams.
"It’s about creating an impact that goes beyond just one geezer running across a continent."
hardest geezer in Worthing ran the length of Africa in 352 days despite being kidnapped and robbed at gunpoint
What charity did Russ run for?
Kindhearted Russ did the challenge to raise money for good causes.
Three charities benefited from his fundraising and they are:
- The Running Charity - They aim to help to transform the lives of young people affected by homelessness and multiple or complex needs.
- Sandblast - This charity helps Saharawi refugees.
- Water Aid - A global charity working to help provide clean water across the world.
When did Russ Cook finish Project Africa?
Russ completed his quest on April 7, 2024, with his final stop in Bizerte, Tunisia.
He crossed 16 countries as he ran the equivalent of 385 marathons.
The enormous challenge saw him take on some of the most hostile environments on the planet - including jungles and rainforests.
As he crossed the finish line at about 16:40 BST in Ras Angela, Tunisia, he was greeted by a shouting crowd, with many chanting "geezer".
"I'm pretty tired," he told reporters.
And in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, he told those who had been following his journey to the finish line: "Mission completed."
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How much did Russ Cook raise for Project Africa?
As of April 8, 2024, the 27-year-old, has raised over £765,000 for charity.
People can continue to donate through his fundraising page
Was Hardest Geezer kidnapped?
While attempting to run across the entire length of Africa, Russ revealed he was kidnapped.
Speaking in August 2023, he said: "Gonna be honest the last few days have probably been some of the toughest of my life. On day 102 I was separated from the boys & the support van after some impassable roads in the planned route.
"In an attempt to find the boys at a village on the plan B route, I stumbled into a rural settlement where the chief told me I must give him money.
"I had none. So that went down well. Pretty soon I found myself surrounded by lots of game blokes with machetes. Was escorted out the village into the bush.
"Emptied my bag to show I had nothing but a half eaten biscuit. Gave it to them, and ran.
"Spent the next few hours bushwhacking through overgrown jungle paths. Trying to stay off any tracks until I was far away."
But things then went from bad to worse after he realised the support van couldn't reach the road before two men suddenly "pulled up on a bike."
He added: "What happened next was a seven-hour motorbike ride deeper into the jungle. In my head I thought this was it. Me.
"The self-proclaimed hardest geezer. About to get held in a Congo gulag before being ripped apart limb by limb and eaten."
Russell explained that he was later pulled into a hut after being driven to a village.
He said a group of men began to argue about what they should do with him.
The runner said he attempted to negotiate and get through to his team who organised a rescue, and took him to safety.
A few months before revealing he had been kidnapped, Russ had said in June 2023, how he was robbed at gunpoint
He said he was targeted by an armed gang in Angola, during his 9000-mile journey.
What is Russ Cook doing after Project Africa?
Russ will likely take a well-deserved break from running to spend time catching up with his girlfriend and family.
He celebrated his achievement by throwing a finishing party at a hotel in Bizerte.
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Announcing the news on Twitter/X he said: "Cannot quite believe it but we've managed to pull off @softplayband playing the finish line party in Tunisia.
"7th April at the Sidi Salem hotel in Bizerte. Anyone that can get themselves there is welcome. Get your daiquiris ready girls & boys this is gonna be mega."
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