Road to the GB 24 Hour Running Team Begins for the Hardest Geezer
Russ Cook, aka the Hardest Geezer, is no stranger to a monster challenge.
The Worthing-born explorer successfully ran the entire length of Africa, setting off from South Africa in April 2023 and finishing in Tunisia in April 2024, some 352 days later.
Then, last year, he traversed the entire length of New Zealand in 73 days, climbing the equivalent of 10 Mount Everests in elevation and clocking up 1,553 miles in the process.
Considering his tendency to attempt the unthinkable, Cook’s New Year’s resolution was never likely to be something as simple as ‘hit the gym more’.
And true to form, he’s started 2026 by announcing what he described as his biggest challenge yet: qualifying for the GB 24 Hour Running Team.
Cook, 28, says he’ll be documenting the entire process via his social media, from the “chest beating triumphs” to the accompanying “pants-pulled-down Ls”.
“In 2026, I’m going after the biggest goal of my life: the road to Team GB,” he shared with his 1.2 million Instagram followers.
“I’m trying to qualify for the GB 24 Hour Running Team and hopefully represent my country at the 2027 World Championships.”
To even be considered in the conversation, the Hardest Geezer would have to run a staggering 245km in under 24 hours.
Cook, who’s raised millions for charity through his endeavours, clocked his fastest-ever 100km time of 11 hours while completing the New Zealand challenge.
In order to meet the GB 24 Hour Running Team selection threshold, he’d need to run around 12% faster on average — and sustain that pace for the full distance.
Undeterred as ever, he’s set out a roadmap for how he thinks he’ll get there.
“So here’s the plan,” he continued. “Phase one: get rapid. Go under 2:30 for the (London) marathon. That efficiency is everything.
“Phase two: convert that speed into ultra endurance. Go under 7:30 for the 100km, compete for podiums at major ultras, build durability, and prepare my mind for the absolute chaos of 24-hour running.
“Why am I doing this? Because I want to see how far I can push my personal limits, while I still can. I want to inspire people to chase their dreams and set a proper example to my kids about getting after life instead of waiting for it.
“From today, it’s maximum commitment. I’m not even sure if I’m capable of this, but we’re definitely going to find out.”
What Is the GB 24 Hour Running Team?
The GB 24 Hour Running Team competes biennially at the IAU 24 Hour World Championships. The most recent edition was held last year in Albi, France, meaning Cook has the entirety of 2026 to prove his mettle.
However, it goes without saying that won’t be easy. The men’s team that turned out across the Channel in 2025 was led by current British 24-hour record holder Matthew Field, who set the mark of 281.303km at Gloucester in 2024.
He was joined by five other impressive ultra athletes, including former British record holder and 2015 World bronze medallist Robbie Britton, who holds a PB of 277.439km.
