It seems that everyone is gripped by running fever at the moment, and Russ Cook AKA ‘Hardest Geezer’ has surely played a part in this.
After going viral for the small accolade of running the entire length of Africa, Russ Cook, 27, has been back in England for a rest, having endured it all along his 9,900 route from South Africa to Tunisia. Clearly, though, he’s just been biding his time before his next adventure, and The Hardest Geezer has now confirmed what it will be.
After teasing his challenge on social media over the last few days, he has revealed that he’s set off from a starting point at Wembley Stadium to run from London to Germany to support the England Men’s Football team at Euro 2024.
Pictured in front of the stadium with his England shirt clearly on display, he wrote: “Yes boys & girls. Absolutely buzzing to be back on road, running to Germany to support [England] throughout the euros. Leaving Wembley now, ferocious 1s & 2s to every game. COME ON.”
Cook hopes to reach Gelsenkirchen in Germany (which is a 352 mile route!) by Sunday (June 16), in time to watch England in their opening fixture against Serbia. He then plans to run in between each city for each England game at the tournament, which takes place in various cities around Germany. England’s following game takes place on June 20 against Denmark in Frankfurt, with their final group game being played against Slovenia on June 25 in Cologne. After that? It’s up to the footballing gods to decide Hardest Geezer’s route…
Along the way, he will be sponsored by Sports Direct and Score Draw (a retro shirt brand), and funds raised from his sponsorship will go towards The Running Charity, supporting young people who are facing homelessness and supporting those with complex needs.
Follow Hardest Geezer’s antics over at his Instagram. The donation page for Cook’s Project Africa Charity fundraiser is still open, and you can add to it here.