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“That’s a Real Man Right There”: 25-Year-Old’s Mission of Completing 360 Marathons in 240 Days Leaves Sports World Stunned

Published 05/14/2023, 9:57 AM EDT

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A 25-year-old Worthing man has stunned the sports world with his mission to run the entire length of Africa in 34 weeks. Last year, Russ Cook made headlines by announcing the gargantuan challenge to run 360 marathons in just 240 days to unlock his mission. Nevertheless, Cook has already begun his journey with no off days on February 5. The physically, mentally, and logically exhausting expedition has made the netizens go gaga over their guts.

On May 14, Russ Cook showed up in an interview with Sky Sports while continuing his journey in Africa. The 25-year-old opened up about what drove him to take on such a challenge. Cook’s statement startled the sports world, making netizens share their thought about him.

Russ Cook was excited to see the whole of Africa on his foot

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In an Instagram video shared by Sky Sports, runner Russ Cook was asked why he took on such a burdensome challenge. He explained that previously he worked on many jobs which did not satisfy him. He added, “I was not living a very meaningful fulfilling life.”

 

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A post shared by Sky Sports (@skysports)

Hence, he decided to take on the challenge of seeing the whole of Africa on foot. Russ Cook saw it as an incredible opportunity. Moreover, he explained that he is pursuing the challenge one day at a time and not getting overwhelmed by jamming his mind with several thoughts.

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With his pledge to cross 16 countries of the African continent in 240 days, Cook intends to raise funds for charities, The Running Charity and Water Aid.

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Cook’s commendable spirit received massive recognition on Instagram. Many users showered him with praise and also wrote what they thought about his pledge.

Netizens startled by Russ Cook’s wonderful story

Running for 240 days on a scorching continent with no days off is indeed an exhausting expedition. For any layman, it would be a Herculean task. Hence, users applauded the guy’s mental strength for taking up such a challenge, “The mental strength this guy must have is insane”. Another similar comment read, “Forrest Gump Energy. Respect the man 👏👏”

Someone was inspired by listening to Russ Cook’s story, so the user wrote, “Absolutely incredible what a man what a story, thank you for making my day!” Another proud netizen wrote, “That’s a real man right there”

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However, some netizens expressed their concerns for the man, stating that running for 240 days in extreme conditions was dangerous for his health, “Not good for the body.” and “How to severely damage your body in a nutshell.”

Netizens also calculated that Cook will have to cover 39.1 km every day, “That’s about 39 miles”

During the first two weeks of his challenge, Cook ran 50 km every day. Presently, he is in Namibia where is experiencing the sweltering heat of the Namib Desert. But he continues en route despite the conditions!

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Do you think Russ Cook will make it to his challenge? Let us know in the comment section.

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Written by:

Muskan Sharma

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Muskan Sharma is a sports writer at EssentiallySports, specializing in Martial Arts, NHL, and other American sports. She is a degree holder in Journalism and Mass Communications. Muskan has been able to bring her unique set of skills and sensitivity while covering news stories.
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Edited by:

Brandon Gabriel