KILLJOYS have solid doubt over ‘Hardest Geezer’ Russ Cook dinner’s declare to be the primary individual in historical past to run the size of Africa.
The ultramarathon runner accomplished his 10,130-mile trek from Cape City to Tunisia on Sunday after 352 days.
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As he crossed 16 international locations operating the equal of 377 marathons, Russ, 27, confronted a number of challenges together with accidents, meals poisoning and excessive temperatures.
He was even kidnapped and robbed at gunpoint throughout his journey.
The runner, from Worthing in West Sussex, began his trek from Cape Agulhas, on April 22, 2023 – vowing to not reduce his hair or beard till he was completed – and accomplished it yesterday.
However his declare has been thrown into doubt after a bunch of ultra-long distance runners claimed certainly one of its members holds the file.
The World Runners Affiliation (WRA) claimed that Jesper Olsen from Denmark deserved the title after operating 7,949 miles from Taba in Egypt to the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa in 434 days in 2010.
Cook dinner nonetheless argued that his journey, from Africa’s most southern to most northern level, was 2,113 miles longer than Olsen’s however the group insists Olsen was the primary individual to attain the feat.
Olsen was 37 years previous when he began his trek within the North Cape of Norway on December 28, 2008, and completed in Cape Spear, Canada on March 15, 2010.
Chatting with the Telegraph, the WRA argued that because the size of Africa “is calculated at 8,000km [4,971 miles] because the crow flies” and it would not matter that Cook dinner’s distance was longer.
The group’s President Phil Essam advised the newspaper: “The WRA recognises Mr Jesper Kenn Olsen of Denmark as the primary individual to have run the total size of Africa.
“The World Runners Affiliation due to this fact contests the declare made by British nationwide Mr Russ Cook dinner to be the primary individual to run the size of Africa.”
Whereas Olsen mentioned different WRA runners had additionally accomplished comparable lengths – with out taking any breaks like Cook dinner did.
He mentioned: “Serge Girard in his world run crossed 5 continents and accomplished his run with out one single time without work throughout your entire run.
“To match this with Russ Cook dinner’s run by means of Africa the place there have been a number of days off – I feel, with all respect – is in itself a little bit of a stretch, to match a half-marathon with a full marathon.
“So for me it’s not about placing consideration on myself. However to place the proper scale to issues so leisure runners can get an thought of the place the maximal limits are in ultra-running. And hopefully, get impressed.”
One other WRA member, Marie Leautey mentioned the group had repeatedly tried to contact Cook dinner throughout his run and regardless of congratulating him she mentioned they did not need “Jesper’s achievement to be denied.”
Cook dinner dubbed, “Africa’s Forrest Gump” was greeted by family members and followers as he crossed the ending line in Tunisia.
Carrying a 90’s England soccer jersey, he advised Sky Information: “Bit drained. One closing push. Completed and accomplished.
“I’ve had just a few tears this morning, so I’ve received it out the system.”
Russ determined to run throughout Africa throughout Covid, in a bid to boost £1million for charities supporting refugees and tough sleepers – he had raised over £700,000.
He says: “Folks reckon I’m nuts however, if I need to do one thing, I’ll do it no matter how outlandish it appears.
“Quitting by no means even got here into it. Not even considered it.
“I made a decision to run Africa for my private achievement and have some mad tales to inform — and I bloody properly did it.
“I did it first and that makes me so proud. This was all about how far I may push my limits. It’s extra than simply operating throughout an entire continent.
Quitting by no means even got here into it. Not even considered it
Russ Cook dinner
“Once I began operating, I didn’t like lengthy distances, however I taught my physique to get to the purpose the place it may fairly comfortably run all day lengthy with out a lot problem.
“Then got here Africa. The blazing warmth within the day and the freezing chilly at night time.
“Working on sand, by means of jungles, by means of sandstorms and snow storms and torrential downpours.
“I’ve handed blood for six days and suffered terrible meals poisoning, a nasty again that solely painkillers may treatment, had visa nightmares, dehydration and suffered exhaustion.”
Cook dinner began the ultimate leg of his journey from a petroleum station in Ghezala, Tunisia at 10am and advised Sky Information as he ran: “Another day, one closing push to get this factor accomplished.”
He added: “352 days on the highway is a very long time with out seeing household, my girlfriend.
“My physique is in a variety of ache however I’ve solely received someday, I am not about to complain. We will have strawberry daiquiris on the seaside tonight, it is going to be unreal.”
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Russ Cook dinner’s fundraising
RUSS’S Undertaking Africa problem will convey an enormous funding increase to 2 wonderful causes – and it’s simple so that you can pledge your help.
One beneficiary, The Working Charity, works to remodel the lives of younger individuals affected by homelessness and a number of or advanced wants.
The opposite, Sandblast, helps Sahrawi refugees.
To donate, go to: givestar.io/gs/projectafrica
