Topics: News, UK News, Viral, World News, Travel
A man trying to become the first person to run the entire length of Africa has been given the all clear to continue his mission after a major scare.
Russell Cook set off on his remarkable mission back in April last year, and has had people captivated ever since.
The Brit had high hopes to complete 360 marathons in 240 days and successfully run across the length of Africa. Some mission indeed.
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Cook has kept his followers updated with regular videos and posts to document his journey, but he's run into a few obstacles along the way, which have caused delays to his lengthy mission.
Nonetheless, he has made massive progress so far.
Come 23 January, Cook had been running for a total of 278 days and covered nearly 12,000km by running through 13 different African countries.
However, he worried many of his followers last week after revealing his epic trip could be at the end of its road before its intended conclusion.
In a post on X, the runner told followers he had a 'bit of a problem', explaining that him and his team haven't been able to get visas for Algeria.
"If we don’t get them, then it’s game over for project Africa," Cook wrote on his social media platforms.
"[I've] raised over £140k for charity in my attempt to become the first person ever to run the entire length of Africa. But right now all of that is totally hanging on whether we can get permission from Algeria to let us cross in through this border with Mauritania," Cook continued.
Describing the route as the 'only option', Cook appealed to residents of Algeria for help with his request.
"Anything you need from us please let me know. It would be an absolute privilege to visit your beautiful country," he added.
"To everyone following the journey online please help us out by sharing this and helping us get this seen by the appropriate people in Algeria. Thank you for the support guys we need it now more than ever."
Cook is however now able to continue his journey, as he updated those who are following his progress with a new post on X.
"Massive thank you to all involved. Can’t wait to visit Algeria," he wrote on the social media platform.
It came after a tweet from the Embassy of Algeria in the UK, which wrote: "Hi @hardestgeezer, please submit your visa application from where you are located. Our Missions will grant you a courtesy visa on the spot."
And as expected, Cook's followers are delighted his journey will continue.
"Congratulations and good luck for such a great cause! Algeria is such a beatiful country, you're about to have your mind blown from what you'll see there so enjoy it!" one commenter wrote.
During the Algeria leg of his journey, Cook will be faced with running through the Sahara Desert - an area which is 'really big, famously has no water and is very hot'.
Cook described the desert as a 'difficult stretch to manoeuvre', explaining: "We have to cross from Mauritania to Algeria on foot, which as far as we can see from research, hasn't been done by foreigners in a very long time."
