Endurance Runner Russ Cook to Conquer New Zealand's Te Araroa Trail

The adventurer, known as 'Hardest Geezer,' will tackle 3,000km of diverse terrain, including the equivalent of 10 Mount Everests in elevation gain.

Russ Cook, a 27-year-old endurance athlete, plans to run the full 1,864-mile length of New Zealand's Te Araroa Trail starting this March.
The challenge involves completing 60 consecutive ultramarathons and navigating a total elevation gain of 300,000 feet, equivalent to scaling Mount Everest ten times.
Cook previously ran the length of Africa, covering over 10,000 miles in 352 days, despite facing armed robbery, kidnapping, and logistical challenges.
The Te Araroa Trail features a mix of terrain, including mountains, rivers, forests, beaches, and cities, offering Cook the opportunity to engage with New Zealand's landscapes and indigenous Maori culture.
Cook is partnering with Tourism New Zealand for the journey, which will also include activities like bungee jumping, canyon swinging, and skydiving to further showcase the country's adventurous spirit.