A British man is set to become the first person in history to run the entire length of Africa this weekend.
Russell Cook began his extraordinary mission in April last year.
His journey has held the attention of much of social media ever since.
He started at the most southerly point of South Africa and has run through countries including Namibia, Angola and the Republic of Congo.
The Brit set out to complete 360 marathons in 240 days and to run the full length of Africa.
Cook has shared frequent updates, posting videos and photos that track his progress.
He has also faced setbacks, including being robbed at gunpoint and other obstacles along the way.
Earlier this year Cook said he had “a bit of a problem” because he and his team were unable to secure visas for Algeria.
“If we don’t get them, then it’s game over for project Africa,” Cook wrote on X.
“[I’ve] raised over £140k for charity in my attempt to become the first person ever to run the entire length of Africa. But right now all of that is totally hanging on whether we can get permission from Algeria to let us cross in through this border with Mauritania.”
He asked people in Algeria for help and promised: “Anything you need from us please let me know. It would be an absolute privilege to visit your beautiful country.”
He also pleaded with followers to share his request so it reached the right people in Algeria.
“To everyone following the journey online please help us out by sharing this and helping us get this seen by the appropriate people in Algeria. Thank you for the support guys we nee
d it now more than ever.”
Fortunately, Cook managed to continue the run after the visa scare.
His route included what some described as the “most dangerous country” on the path, and he received more safety warnings about it than any other nation on the route.
Cook still passed through Nigeria intact, despite high levels of kidnapping, violent crime and inter-communal violence.
Cook is due to complete his long challenge on Sunday (7 April).
British punk band Soft Play will perform at the finish-line party at a hotel in Bizerte, Tunisia.
On X Cook wrote: “Get your daiquiris ready girls and boys. This is going to be mega.”
He added: “Cannot quite believe it but we’ve managed to pull off Soft Play playing the finish line party in Tunisia. Anyone that can get themselves there is welcome.”