Foreign Office Issues Warning to Worthing Man Undertaking Lengthy Run Across Africa

The UK Foreign Office has issued a travel warning to Russell Cook, a runner from Worthing, West Sussex, advising him to avoid Algeria during his attempt to run the length of Africa due to significant safety risks, including the threat of terrorist attacks and kidnappings.

Cook, aged 26, had planned to finish 360 marathons in 240 days but faced delays due to visa issues, health concerns, political complications, and an armed robbery.

Now on day 279, his ambitious journey, which was to span 9,320 miles through 16 countries from South Africa to Tunisia, may be compromised if he cannot enter Algeria from Mauritania.

Despite these challenges, Cook, also known as "Hardest Geezer," has run 7,456 miles across 13 countries and raised over £140,000 for charity, though his efforts hang in the balance.

MP Alexander Stafford appealed to the Algerian Ambassador for visa assistance, and East Worthing MP Tim Loughton also expressed support for Cook. The Foreign Office emphasized the advice is voluntary, noting visa issuance is at each country's discretion.

The run supports The Running Charity, and to date, it has raised £144,492.