Russ Cook, aka Hardest Geezer, last joined the Happy Hour boys in December of 2021, in which he revealed his dreams of running the entire length of Africa. Just a madman with a dream, right? Wrong.

We caught up with Russ in our first ever out-of-studio podcast, mere hours after Russ became the first human being in history to run from the most southernly point in Africa, to the most northern tip. Jaack, Stevie and Fiona travelled out to Tunisia to witness Russ accomplish the unthinkable and cross that finish line, before diving into the Mediterranean sea. In what seems like a full circle moment, just a day after the mission finished, Russ was incredibly generous to allow Happy Hour to be the first place to share his incredible story. 

From being robbed at gunpoint in Angola, to cooking an untraditional Christmas dinner in the Guinean rainforest, to crossing the finish line on a Tunisian beach, Russ Cook’s story is truly awe inspiring. From injuries to sickness, not even the worst bouts of crippling blisters and explosive diarrhoea could derail Russ and his team’s mission. From deadly wildlife, to police escorts, to army raids, to Saharan hallucinations... if it wasn’t already absolutely clear, then today’s episode should help clarify exactly why Russ chose the alias Hardest Geezer. 

But it’s not just Russ who shares tales of ProjectAfrica today, we also chat with Emily - Russ’ amazing girlfriend, on just how she has been coping over the past year. Russ' cameraman Stan also jumps on to share some mad stories involving villainous pirates. It’s all happening on this very special, very unique episode of Happy Hour.

From all of us at Happy Hour, we’d like to say the biggest congratulations to Russ and his team for grabbing the history books, tearing them up, and creating their own book. A book that will literally never, ever be matched. We’re absolutely besotted by Russ as a human, and an athlete, and we’ll forever be honoured to have been there to witness the moment this man achieved the impossible.

Not only was this one insane act of endurance and self-belief, but it was an act of selflessness as 'ProjectAfrica' was all for charity. Please consider checking out, and donating if you can, to Russ’ chosen charities below! (The Running Charity, helping deliver mental health support to young people suffering with homelessness and complex needs, and Sandblast devoted to raising awareness of the Saharawi people of Western Sahara).

ProjectAfrica donation homepage:

https://givestar.io/gs/PROJECTAFRICA

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