The Diary Of A CEO with Steven Bartlett

Moment 184: I Was Kidnapped Whilst Running The Entire Length Of Africa: Russ Cook

Oct 25, 2024

Russ Cook, an ultramarathon runner and author, made history by running 10,000 miles across Africa in just 352 days. In the heart of the Democratic Republic of Congo, he faced armed threats and even a kidnapping, sharing the emotional turmoil of that harrowing experience. Beyond survival, he reflects on confronting personal fears and realizing profound truths about himself. Russ's journey isn't just about physical endurance; it's a powerful testament to facing life's challenges head-on.

18:52

Episode guests

Russ Cook

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Quick takeaways

Russ Cook's extraordinary journey running the length of Africa highlights the importance of perseverance in the face of extreme challenges and personal fears.

His harrowing experiences in the Democratic Republic of Congo underscore the unpredictable nature of adventure and the critical role of communication in overcoming life's dangers.

Deep dives

Overcoming Business Challenges with the Right Tools

Managing operations and finances is a significant challenge for entrepreneurs, especially during periods of rapid growth. Implementing the right systems becomes essential in order to maintain visibility and control over business processes. One effective solution mentioned is NetSuite, a cloud-based financial system that integrates various functions such as accounting, inventory, and HR. This system can alleviate the overwhelming chaos that often accompanies scaling a business, allowing entrepreneurs to make informed decisions quickly.

Intro

2min

Survival and Hostility in the Heart of Africa

5min

Survival in the Jungle

6min

A Harrowing Tale of Kidnapping in the Jungle

3min

Navigating Fear and Exhaustion in the Heart of Africa

3min

He became the first person to run the full length of Africa—10,000 miles in 352 days—but just after day 100, Russ Cook, aka the Hardest Geezer, faced the toughest challenge of his life. In the Democratic Republic of Congo, Russ found himself running through chaos, dodging violence, and literally outrunning men armed with machetes. With threats of kidnapping looming and his life on the line, he managed to escape and keep pushing forward.

Months later, after enduring sandstorms in the Sahara, crossing rainforests, and navigating endless stretches of empty road, Russ finally completed his journey. Starting in Cape Agulhas, South Africa, and finishing in Tunisia, he covered the equivalent of 386 marathons.

Throughout the journey, Russ faced life-threatening dangers—armed robberies, kidnappers, and harsh terrains. But the craziest part? After all those miles, he realised what he’d really been running from—and had to face it head on.

His story isn’t just about running. It’s for anyone facing their fears, questioning their path, or trying to break free from what’s been holding them back—because that was him too.

Russ unpacks all of this, and more, in his book HARDEST GEEZER: Mind Over Miles. Out now.

Buy Russ’ Book Here:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Hardest-Geezer-Mind-over-Miles/dp/1529945925/?maas=maas_adg_8E255B02CEB8C776ADC02ACF423C188A_afap_abs&ref_=aa_maas&tag=maas

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