Russ Cook to run the full length of New Zealand

A man who ran the entire length of Africa has announced his next challenge – running the full length of New Zealand.

Russ Cook, nicknamed Hardest Geezer, completed his previous endurance challenge in April last year after 352 days.

The 27-year-old, from Worthing, West Sussex, is to run the 1,864 mile (3,000km) Te Araroa Trail in March, which will see him take on 60 ultramarathons while navigating mountains, forests, coastlines and cities.

“After a big challenge, it took some time for the body to get back to reality. But I’m feeling fresh and ready for the next one,” he said.

Mr Cook added: “Luckily a lovely British diet of sausage rolls and roast dinner really sorted me out.

“I put some timber back on and now we’re ready to go again.

“It’s going to be a spicy one.”

Mr Cook said: “New Zealand is somewhere I have always wanted to go. It’s the adventure capital of the world.”

“It’s going to be an absolute brutal one on the legs, like I’ve never done before,” he said.

He says he expects the 300,000-foot (7,620m) elevation – the equivalent to 10 Mount Everests – to be the most challenging part of his journey.

During the challenge, he is due to bungee jump off Auckland Harbour Bridge, canyon swing in Queenstown and sky dive in Abel Tasman.

Mr Cook raised more than £1m for charity during his previous challenge in Africa, despite complications with visas, health scares, geopolitical issues and an armed robbery.

The extreme challenge began at South Africa’s most southerly point on 22 April 2023, and finished more than 10,190 miles (16,400km) north in Tunisia.

He had originally planned to complete the equivalent of 360 marathons in 240 days, but extended the challenge due to the complications.

His New Zealand challenge is due to begin in March and is expected to take about 10 weeks to complete.