7 March 2024
After 310 grueling days on foot, 26-year-old Russel Koch is nearing the finish line of his incredible journey across Africa.
Koch, a native of England, began his epic run on April 22nd, 2023, setting off from South Africa with the ambitious goal of traversing the continent on foot from south to north.
Prior to embarking on this remarkable feat, BBC reports that Koch completed the necessary health checks and ensured all visa requirements were met. His intended finish line was in northern Tunisia, targeted for April 7th, 2024.
As of today, Koch is currently battling the harsh conditions of the Sahara Desert in Mauritania, BBC reports. To combat the scorching desert heat, he has adapted his running schedule, opting for a dusk-to-dawn routine.
Despite the immense physical and mental challenge, Koch remains focused on his goal. When asked by the BBC about the impact of this prolonged journey on his personal life, he simply stated, “Now I’m not worried about anything except reaching Tunisia.”
This journey is not just about pushing physical limits; Koch is also running for a cause. He initially began running to support athletics-related charities, and has so far raised over 190,000 euros for his chosen organizations.
