British ultrarunner tackles New Zealand after conquering Africa

According to a new article, BBC features that after conquering the entire length of Africa, a British ultramarathon runner is back on the road, this time running the full length of New Zealand! 

Russ Cook, the British ultramarathon runner known as the "Hardest Geezer," has set out on a new, daring adventure—running the entire length of New Zealand. Following his remarkable feat of running across Africa in 352 days, the 27-year-old from Worthing, West Sussex, is now taking on the 1,864-mile (3,000 km) Te Araroa Trail.

Cook, who completed his Africa challenge in April 2023, raised over £1m for charity despite battling various obstacles such as health scares, visas, geopolitical challenges, and even an armed robbery. His latest journey, expected to take approximately 60 days, will see him run through mountains, forests, coastlines, and cities, with each stage resembling 60 ultramarathons.

He began his journey at Stirling Point in Bluff, located at the southern tip of New Zealand’s South Island, and will make his way north toward Cape Rēinga in Northland. The adventure will also include thrilling activities like bungee jumping off Auckland Harbour Bridge, canyon swinging in Queenstown, and skydiving in Abel Tasman.

Speaking about the new challenge, Cook said, “The incredible, warm welcome I’ve received so far has already given me a glimpse of how special the journey ahead of me will be.” He anticipates that, over the next 10 weeks, he will climb the equivalent of 10 Mount Everests.

Reflecting on his previous experiences, Cook noted, “My time in Africa made me more aware of the risks I can take and the ones I can’t,” adding that personal growth often comes from pushing through those “uncomfortable moments.”

Cook plans to continue living adventurously as long as his body allows. “When I’m older, when the body’s a bit worn out, I expect I’ll pick up where I left off,” he said.

By Naila Huseynova