Worthing's Hardest Geezer Russ Cook completes New Zealand endurance challenge

Endurance runner Russ Cook from Worthing has completed a 2,434-kilometre run across the length of New Zealand, finishing the feat in just 73 days.

The 28-year-old, known as the “Hardest Geezer”, crossed the finish line at Cape Reinga, the northernmost point of New Zealand’s North Island, on Thursday.

Cook began his journey at Stirling Point in Bluff on the South Island in March. His route took him across a diverse range of terrains including mountains, native forests, cities and coastal regions. Despite suffering a shin injury, he achieved his fastest 100km run during the challenge in a time of 11 hours, and reportedly wore out seven pairs of shoes over the course of the journey.

The adventure was undertaken in partnership with Tourism New Zealand and featured visits to iconic sites such as Milford Sound and Mount Cook/Aoraki. Cook, who previously ran the length of Africa and from Istanbul to Worthing, said the experience had been “life-changing” and that he plans to keep adventuring for as long as his body allows.