Visa issues in Algeria threaten British man’s run across Africa

A 26-year-old runner attempting to run the entire length of Africa, covering 360 marathon-length runs in 240 days (15,120 km), has had his journey halted in one of his final countries—Algeria. Russell Cook of Worthing, U.K., has encountered visa issues crossing the border from Mauritania into Algeria, bringing his transcontinental journey to a pause.

Day 278 of running the entire length of Africa. Need your support now more than ever on this one. Appreciate you all🫡 pic.twitter.com/AvQGt1Noi7

— Russ Cook (@hardestgeezer) January 23, 2024

Cook has been on the road for 278 days, covering more than 12,000 kilometres through 13 countries. He began his journey at the most southern point of Africa, in Cape Agulhas, S.A., on April 22, with the goal destination being Tunisia’s most northerly point, on the Mediterranean Sea.

His journey from South Africa to the Algerian border has not been smooth sailing. Cook, known as the “Hardest Geezer” on social media, has faced several visa complications, health challenges, and was even robbed at gunpoint in Angola, where his crew lost their cameras, phones, cash and passports. Initially planning to wrap up his journey from South to North Africa in 240 days, the crew is now 38 days past their projected finish time, and forced to wait for another extension of the timeline.

British ultrarunner mugged at gunpoint during run across Africa

In an interview with the BBC, Cook said, “If we don’t get the visas, it’s game over. It’s the only option we’ve got. There is no other way to get to the most northern tip of Africa [than through Algeria].”

Upon learning of the predicament, Tim Loughton, a local member of parliament for Cook’s hometown of Worthing, has been trying to assist him in obtaining an Algerian visa. According to the BBC, Loughton has urged Cook and his crew to provide details for intervention through the Foreign Office and Algerian Embassy, also raising the issue with the Algerian ambassador in the U.K.

Congratulations to the Algerian handball team. I join you in wishing them all the best for the final. Inshallah🇩🇿🫡

— Russ Cook (@hardestgeezer) January 25, 2024

Cook’s continental run has been nothing short of incredible, raising £145,000 (nearly CAD $250,000) to support youth homelessness with The Running Charity thus far. As Cook now faces this final hurdle, his hope is that he receives the support needed to reach the northern shores of Tunisia and the Mediterranean Sea for a noble cause.