Controversy over whether Russ Cook is the first or only fourth athlete to run the length of Africa

“Hardest Geezer” Russ Cook on his ultramarathon from the south to the north of Africa.

Yesterday, after 352 days and 10,130 miles, 'Hardest Geezer' Russ Cook finished his epic ultra marathon the length of Africa from Cape Agulhas in South Africa to Ras Angela, Tunisia. It’s a feat that been publicized as “The first person ever to run the entire length of Africa,”  not least on Cook’s own social media accounts.

But according to some experts, Cook’s not the first. He’s not even the second. He’s the fourth. Though there is one way in which he can claim to have achieved a first… if you look at things from a certain direction (more n that later)