Courtesy of Jarred Karp
Russ Cook has asked his fans for help as he struggles with visa issues.
CNN
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A mission Becoming the first person to walk the length of Africa appears to be in some danger due to visa issues.
Over the past nine months, Russ Cook has run nearly 7,500 miles in 13 different countries and is currently in Senegal with his small support crew.
But despite all his efforts, which included running more than a marathon a day on average, Cook took to social media on Tuesday to announce that his epic journey was facing a diplomatic deadlock.
Cook had planned to complete his odyssey at the northernmost tip of Africa in Tunisia, but must first access Algeria via the Mauritanian border. However, his team has so far been unable to obtain a visa for Algeria.
The border between the two countries has a complicated history, with Jihadi groups was known to be active in the porous regions between Mauritania and Algeria.
“If we don’t get them, then it’s game over for Project Africa,” Cook he said on X, formerly known as Twitter.
“This is the only option we have left, so Algeria, if you’re listening, please reach out to me.”
The Brit, nicknamed the “Hardest Geezer”, has built up a huge following on social media since he started his run and has raised over $170,000 for charity.
In a video posted alongside his message, the 26-year-old thanked fans for their support but urged them to raise awareness about the visa issue.
Cook’s video has been shared 11 million times, attracting the attention of the British government.
Alexander Stafford, Chair of the UK Parliamentary Group on Algeria, wrote an open letter to the Algerian Ambassador in the UK requesting that Cook be granted a visa.
Courtesy Harry Gallimore
Starting at the southernmost point of South Africa, Cook runs all the way to Tunisia.
The UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) also told CNN it had received several messages about Cook’s situation, but said the decision to issue a visa rests with the country in question.
“We commend Russ Cook’s efforts to help the charity and his achievements so far,” said an FCDO spokesperson, before outlining the dangers of traveling between Mauritania and Algeria.
“We have provided him with our travel advice, which clearly sets out the risks involved in traveling through these dangerous areas, where we clearly advise against travel.
“Our travel advice is just that, advice, and it’s up to individuals to decide whether to follow it.”
CNN has reached out to the office of the Algerian Presidency for comment.
Speaking to CNN last year, Cook explained the motivation behind the extreme challenge.
“Where I’ve come from to have this opportunity is absolutely incredible. What are some minor leg sores? It’s all minor at the end of the day,” he said.
“When I’m old, sitting in my rocking chair, with 18 grandkids running around, I’ll have some stories to tell. So it will be good.”
If they get him and his team the right documents, he has the small matter of crossing the Sahara desert before putting a cap on his incredible journey.
Given all the challenges he’s faced so far, including a robbery at gunpoint and getting lost in the rainforest, you wouldn’t bet against him.