Russ Cook, also known as Hardest Geezer, is the man who ran the length of Africa — and a former member of The Running Charity team.

Russ’s relationship with The Running Charity goes back long before Project Africa. During his time working for the organisation, he saw first-hand how running, community and consistent support can help young people facing homelessness and complex needs build confidence, purpose and momentum.

It was during this period that Russ began shaping some of the ideas that would later grow into his extraordinary endurance challenges. Since then, he has gone on to become one of the UK’s most recognisable adventure runners, using his platform to inspire people, raise awareness and show what can be achieved through resilience, determination and putting one foot in front of the other.

Today, Russ remains closely connected to The Running Charity through his role as an ambassador and through Hardest Adventures. He continues to support our young people by creating opportunities for them to take part in adventure experiences, delivering inspirational talks, supporting our coaches and helping us engage fundraisers, partners and supporters.

Russ also plays an important role in supporting people who want to take on their own big challenges for The Running Charity. Whether someone is planning a long-distance run, an endurance event or a fundraising adventure, Russ and Hardest Adventures help bring encouragement, insight and inspiration to those using challenge as a way to support our work.

Russ helps us show that running and adventure can be much more than sport. They can build confidence, create community, open doors and help young people see what they are capable of.

We are proud to have Russ as part of The Running Charity community.