Hardest Geezer awarded honorary University of Chichester degree

A man who ran the entire length of Africa has been awarded an honorary university degree.

Russ Cook, nicknamed Hardest Geezer, has received an honorary Master of Sport degree from the University of Chichester.

The 28-year-old, from Worthing, West Sussex, said it was “a big honour and not something that I thought would ever come my way”.

He completed his previous endurance challenge of running the length of Africa in April last year after 352 days, raising more than £1m for charity.

Mr Cook is now sharing his love of adventure with others through his new travel company, which aims to “help other people to really experience the world”.

“I’ve learnt that I’m more capable than I ever gave myself credit for,” he said. “All of my successes have been built on failure and learning from it.

“Don’t be scared of it, it’s all part of the process. When you fail, dust yourself off and try again.

“It’s not so much about the achievement but about the journey along the way.”

Mr Cook also shared some advice with those graduating university this year.

“My advice to students is don’t be scared to fail and keep attacking life with as much passion as you can,” he said.

Mr Cook raised more than £1m for charity during his challenge in Africa, despite complications with visas, health scares, geopolitical issues and an armed robbery.

The extreme challenge began at South Africa’s most southerly point on 22 April 2023 and finished more than 10,190 miles (16,400km) north in Tunisia.

He has also completed endurance challenges in New Zealand and Iceland.