Mind over Miles
In a nutshell
Russ Cook, aka Hardest Geezer, ran the entire length of Africa in 352 days: 16,000 km through 16 countries. The book follows his path from gambling problems through crazy challenges to visas, detentions and tension within the team. One of the best running books I have ever read.
Who it's for: Runners and non-runners who love stories about dreams that seem impossible.
16,000 kilometres, 16 countries and 352 days. Three numbers that sum up the incredible achievement of Russ Cook, aka Hardest Geezer. One day this likeable Brit decided he would run the entire length of Africa. And so he did. He documented the incredible story online on social media, a film was made, and so was this book, which is definitely one of the best I’ve read about running. Let’s dive in.
As is often the case, there’s no elite runner behind this achievement who had been training all his life for D-Day. Quite the opposite. In his youth Russ had a minor problem with alcohol and a bigger one with gambling. His parents threw him out of the house and at 17 he stood on his own, very shaky, feet. A story not unlike what Rich Roll went through in Finding Ultra, Charlie Engle in Running Man or Dean Karnazes in Ultramarathon Man.
After the initial ups and downs, Russ takes on his first running challenge. He wants to run from Istanbul to London. Unsupported. Does he have any running experience? No. But he’s not afraid to dream. He starts the run by jumping into the Bosphorus on the Asian side of the Turkish city. Never mind the strong current and all the ships. In the end a military escort pulls him out… He completes the run and finds he likes it. Next challenge? Being buried alive for several days. Simply crazy.
And then comes the crazy idea. I’ll be the first person to run the entire African continent. He looks for money, gear and a support team. It’s all a rollercoaster with an uncertain outcome. He leaves for Africa at 26 not knowing what will happen in a few days. The plan is clear. Share the story online, gain fans and financial support to cover costs plus wages for his crew.
The route across Africa
The original plan to run from north to south fell through. The route had to be reversed. He’s in South Africa and ready to set off. This is where the book gets really interesting. And not only for us runners. Russ ran through 16 countries in total, where he often hit rock bottom. How do they differ from one another? Where was he robbed, detained or welcomed with hospitality? Here the story resembles another great book, Running the World, also by a Brit, Nick Butter.
But the problems aren’t caused only by locals, but also by his team. And by himself. Cabin fever couldn’t be avoided on this expedition either. Still, the kilometres gradually pass, and the more of them there are, the more online fans he gains. So he turns his run into a charity effort; in the end he manages to raise roughly 17 million crowns (well over half a million pounds). Incredible.
Tunis - finally at the finish
Russ gradually becomes a celebrity and isn’t afraid to use his media power. Throughout the journey there’s a big unknown ahead of him. Algeria. He can’t get the visas he needs. A social media post helps. The finish in Tunis starts to look realistic. His whole family, his girlfriend and lots of (un)known people are waiting for him there.
Summary? An inspiring story showing that no dream is too big to come true. And who cares whether he really was the very first person to run the length of Africa (note: the World Runners Association disputes this). A great story and a great book!
