Outside the lines, 7.4/Sport1
One of the most impressive feats the world of sports has seen in recent years was completed last night (Sunday), when Russell Cook became the first person ever to run the entire length of the African continent.
The 27-year-old Briton set off from his home on April 22, 2023 with a clear plan - to run from South Africa to Tunisia, and complete 360 marathons in 240 days, without any rest. But reality had other plans - because he didn't get a visa to Algeria, he had to plan a new route, but that wasn't the only problem along the way.
On June 24 in Angola he was robbed at gunpoint, and his and his team's phones, cameras, cash, visas and passports were taken. Cook did not give up, he continued his journey and even blood found in his urine on the 45th day and a host of other medical problems did not make him stop.
On the 200th day, a doctor in Nigeria forced him to stop and take a short rest. "I took a few days for tests," he told the BBC. "There was no damage to the bones, so I took the strongest painkillers and went on the road like a zombie."
When he arrived in the Sahara desert, he decided to run at night instead of during the day, to avoid the intense heat and sandstorms. Last night, after 16 countries, 16,000 km and 352 days, he finally crossed the finish line, raising around £700,000 for charity.
More in Walla!
The breakthroughs, the treatments and what does the future hold? Everything you need to know about diabetes
In collaboration with Sanofi
"I received such extraordinary support, I just tried to enjoy it," he said. "It's hard for me to digest all of this. It's hard for me to describe it in words - 352 days on the road, without seeing my family, my partner. My body went through a lot of pain, but I won't complain."
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Russ Cook (@hardestgeezer).
This is an even greater achievement when you consider Cook's past, who called himself a "fat guy" and signed up for his first half-marathon at just 21. Before embarking on the incredible journey, he admitted to being an alcoholic. "I'm a completely normal guy," he said. "If I can do that, I hope all other people will learn from me. The human spirit is a beautiful thing."
More on the same topic:
Africa