Moment 184: I Was Kidnapped Whilst Running The Entire Length Of Africa: Russ Cook

The Diary Of A CEO with Steven Bartlett

He became the first person to run the full length of Africa—10,000 miles in 352 days—but just after day 100, Russ Cook, aka the Hardest Geezer, faced the toughest challenge of his life. In the Democratic Republic of Congo, Russ found himself running through chaos, dodging violence, and literally outrunning men armed with machetes. With threats of kidnapping looming and his life on the line, he managed to escape and keep pushing forward.

Months later, after enduring sandstorms in the Sahara, crossing rainforests, and navigating endless stretches of empty road, Russ finally completed his journey. Starting in Cape Agulhas, South Africa, and finishing in Tunisia, he covered the equivalent of 386 marathons.

Throughout the journey, Russ faced life-threatening dangers—armed robberies, kidnappers, and harsh terrains. But the craziest part? After all those miles, he realised what he’d really been running from—and had to face it head on.

His story isn’t just about running. It’s for anyone facing their fears, questioning their path, or trying to break free from what’s been holding them back—because that was him too.

Russ unpacks all of this, and more, in his book HARDEST GEEZER: Mind Over Miles. Out now.

Buy Russ’ Book Here:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Hardest-Geezer-Mind-over-Miles/dp/1529945925/?maas=maas_adg_8E255B02CEB8C776ADC02ACF423C188A_afap_abs&ref_=aa_maas&tag=maas

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