If you thought running across an entire continent was impressive, Russ Cook—better known as the “Hardest Geezer”—is back with another mind-blowing endurance challenge.
Just months after completing his unbelievable 16,000km run from South Africa to Tunisia, Cook is now setting his sights on something equally ridiculous:✔️ Running 3,000km (1,864 miles) across New Zealand’s Te Araroa Trail✔️ Navigating extreme terrain with 30,000 feet of elevation gain (the equivalent of climbing Mount Everest 10 times!)✔️ Completing the challenge in 60 days—averaging a marathon (or more) every single day
For most people, just hiking the Te Araroa trail—a rugged, 3,000km route stretching from the northern tip of New Zealand to its southernmost point—would be a lifetime achievement. But for Cook, it’s just another absurd ultra-endurance mission.
Who is Russ Cook, aka ‘Hardest Geezer’?
If you haven’t heard of Russ Cook, you’ve clearly been missing out on one of the most insane endurance athletes in the world.
Cook, a 27-year-old from Worthing, West Sussex, UK, has made a name for himself by taking on challenges that sound borderline impossible—and then actually completing them.
His most famous achievement? Running the entire length of Africa in 352 days.
In April 2024, Cook became the first person ever to run from the southernmost point of Africa (Cape Agulhas, South Africa) to the northernmost point (Ras Angela, Tunisia)—a journey of over 16,000km (almost 10,000 miles).
This wasn't just a casual jog. Cook ran through 16 countries, deserts, jungles, and war zones, battling injuries, food shortages, and even getting kidnapped at gunpoint in Angola.
But despite all the obstacles, he finished what many called the hardest run in human history—cementing his status as the ultimate endurance athlete.
Now? He’s ready for his next test.
What is the Te Araroa Trail?
For his latest challenge, Cook is taking on the Te Araroa trail, an unforgiving 3,000km route that runs from Cape Reinga in the North Island to Bluff in the South Island of New Zealand.
Why is This Run So Hard?
🔹 Brutal Elevation Gain – The trail has 30,000 feet of climbing, which is the equivalent of summiting Mount Everest 10 times.
🔹 Tough Terrain – Unlike road running, the Te Araroa is a mix of mountain trails, river crossings, dense forests, and coastal beaches. Runners have to navigate everything from rocky ridges to waist-deep water crossings.
🔹 Remote Sections – Some parts of the trail have zero access to roads, towns, or supplies—meaning Cook will need to carry everything he needs or have supplies dropped off in advance.
🔹 Extreme Weather – The route spans both of New Zealand’s islands, meaning Cook will be running through intense heat, freezing alpine conditions, and unpredictable storms.
Cook himself summed it up perfectly:
"We got about 30,000ft of elevation gain, [like] 60 back-to-back marathons. I'm excited to go out there and explore the country and get after it."
How Long Will It Take?
Russ plans to complete the 3,000km in around 60 days.
That means he’ll be running an average of 50km (31 miles) per day, with some longer efforts thrown in when the terrain allows.
To put that into perspective:🏃 A marathon is 42.2km—so he’ll be running more than a marathon every single day.🏃 For two months straight.🏃 Through mountains, rivers, and extreme conditions.
For most people, running a single marathon is a lifetime achievement. For Cook, it’s just another day at the office.
Why is Cook Doing This?
Beyond just proving what the human body and mind are capable of, Cook’s challenges are often linked to charity and raising awareness.
During his Africa run, Cook raised over £700,000 (nearly $1 million) for charity, and he’ll likely be using his New Zealand mission to continue inspiring people to push their own limits.
Plus, let’s be honest—this guy just loves suffering.
What’s Next for the Hardest Geezer?
Given Cook’s track record of progressively more extreme challenges, it’s safe to assume he won’t stop at New Zealand.
So what comes next? Some possibilities:🌍 Running across another continent (Asia? South America?)🏔️ A full-length run of the Great Himalaya Trail🏜️ Crossing an entire desert—on foot🚀 A run across Antarctica (because at this point, why not?)
But before any of that, Cook has to survive 3,000km through the brutal terrain of New Zealand.
Final Thoughts: Why Russ Cook’s Challenge is Next-Level
Russ Cook is not just an ultrarunner—he’s redefining what’s possible.
In an age where endurance athletes are constantly pushing the limits, Cook stands out as one of the toughest, most relentless runners in the world.
His 16,000km Africa run was historic. His 3,000km New Zealand mission will be brutal.
But if there’s one thing we know about Russ Cook, aka the Hardest Geezer, it’s this:
💪 If anyone can do it, he can.
🏃 Follow his journey. You won’t want to miss this.
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