Hardest Geezer says running London Marathon was a ‘stretch of the legs’

Russ Cook never has a day off.

Cook ran the marathon in support of the Running Charity and crossed the line with a time of 4:25:40.

Following the achievement, Cook referred to the marathon as simply a “stretch of the legs”.

“[Running] 26 miles was a great day out. I’m delighted to be back in the UK. It’s been another great outing – a stretch of the legs," he said, via The Telegraph.

“Look at all these people crossing the finish line and raising so much money for charity.

“I’m very much hoping that when everything calms down, I’m going to get some time to do some personal stuff.

“Today was very different from running on my own. Especially the energy I got from the crowd. I ran as a kid, but I didn’t start long-distance running until I was 19 or 20.

“It’s given me everything, and some incredibly positive outcomes. I’m not complaining about all the attention I’m getting now – I’m just going to enjoy it.”

Just before setting off for the marathon, Cook took to X to write: "Best of luck to everyone running the London marathon tomorrow. I will be there on tarmac pacing some incredible young people with

"@Running_Charity I really do love the marathon. My dad first ran one when I was a young lad and I thought he was superman. Running my first one changed my life.

"Thousands of people gathered together for a 1v1 battle vs themselves. Each with their own stories. Often running for more than just them. United in overcoming the struggle.

"I would highly recommend coming down to be part of it even if you aren’t running. Look at the faces of the runners on mile 20+. Look how hard they fight for the finish line. The human spirit mate; magic."

This comes just weeks after Cook completed his running of the entire length of Africa.

The 27-year-old, who hails from Worthing in West Sussex, first set out on his mission to run the length of the continent last year.

He started at the southernmost point of Africa and has ran some 387 marathons on his journey to the finishing line at Ras Angela in Tunisia.

Covering a distance of more than 16,000 km, the runner has traversed 16 different countries and ran the equivalent of more than a third of the planet's circumference.

During his journey, Cook came across many challenges, including being robbed at gunpoint, being kidnapped and facing visa troubles.

However, through all these challenges, he has made it to the finish line and solidified his place in history.

Cook has also taken on other challenges such as completing a marathon while on crutches, and smashing the record for the quickest time completing a marathon while hauling a car, finishing the 26 miles in an impressive nine hours and 56 minutes.

At the time of writing, the Brit has raised just under £670,000 for charity thanks to his efforts. The money will go to Sandblast, which is dedicated to empowering Saharawi in the UK, and The Running Charity, which helps homeless people and those with complex needs through the power of running.

If you would like to donate money to Cook's fundraiser, you can do so here.

Related links:

Marathon runner disqualified for ‘chain smoking’ throughout entire race

Ultra-marathon runner banned for using car in 50-mile race