China News Service, April 9. According to the British "Guardian" report, on the afternoon of the 7th local time in Tunisia, 27-year-old British man Russ Cook completed the feat of running across the African continent from south to north.
Image source: Screenshot of Cook’s social media
According to reports, Cook's trip traveled through 16 countries and regions, took 352 days, and covered more than 9,940 miles (approximately 16,000 kilometers), which is equivalent to the distance of approximately 376 marathons.
The report stated that Cook is believed to be the first person in the world to run from the southern tip of Africa to the northern tip of Africa. On April 22, 2023, he set off from Cape Agulhas, the southernmost tip of South Africa, and arrived at Cape Angela, the northernmost tip of Tunisia, on April 7, 2024. At the last stop before reaching the finish line, many supporters accompanied him to complete the race.
Along the way, Lars also encountered some setbacks, including armed robbery, visa problems, etc. On the 200th day of the challenge, he reduced his daily running mileage on the advice of a Nigerian doctor.
In completing the running challenge, Cook also raised more than £600,000 for charity. The funds will reportedly be donated to the Running Charity, which provides running and mental health programs to young people experiencing homelessness and other needs. Funds will also be donated to Sandblast, an organization that calls attention to the indigenous people of the Sahara.
The Guardian quoted Cook’s speech in an interview with the British Sky News. He said on the eve of reaching the finish line, “It’s hard to describe it in words: I have been on the road for 352 days and haven’t seen my family or girlfriend for a long time. My body is in pain, but there is still the last day and I won’t complain.” When he reached the finish line, he said, “I’m a little tired.”
Cook said the challenge was "the hardest challenge of my life, but also a huge honor." He added, "We met incredible people in every country who welcomed us with love and kindness. The human spirit is a beautiful thing."