Russell Cook’s recent claim of being the first person to run across Africa has sparked controversy within the running community. However, the World Runners Association (WRA) has clarified that they only monitor records for the fastest crossing of Africa on foot and the fastest journey from Cape Town to Cairo on foot. These records are currently held by another British athlete, Nicholas Bourne, who completed the journey in 318 days in 1998. Therefore, Mr. Olsen’s run is not considered a world record.
Marie Leautey, a WRA member and runner who circled the world in September 2022, expressed her views on Mr. Cook’s claim. She stated that if he modified his claim to being the fastest, there would not be any issues. She admired Mr. Cook’s accomplishment but felt that his original claim of being the first person to run across Africa was dismissive of other runners like Jesper and Nicholas.
Despite the controversy, Mr. Cook acknowledged the challenges faced by other athletes who have undertaken significant runs before him. He paid tribute to them and expressed his respect for their accomplishments. His run, documented on TikTok, attracted a large following of fans who joined him on his final run. The run also raised £775,000 for charity, showcasing the tremendous support he received for his endeavor.
After completing the run, Mr. Cook admitted to feeling tired but celebrated his achievement with a day off. He hinted at future challenges, suggesting that he might start planning new endeavors soon. As the running community continues to evolve, athletes like Mr. Cook inspire others with their dedication and determination to push their limits.
In conclusion, Russell Cook’s recent claim of being the first person to run across Africa has sparked controversy within the running community due to its lack of evidence and dismissive nature towards other runners who have undertaken significant runs before him
