Russ Cook, aka The Hardest Geezer, has congratulated Jamie Laing after initially saying that his aim to complete the 150-mile ultra-marathon was “verging on stupid”
Russ Cook, known as The Hardest Geezer, has broken his silence after previously doubting Jamie Laing’s ultra-marathon challenge. Russ had questioned whether Jamie could finish the gruelling run, but after seeing his progress, he shared a message of congratulations. Jamie, 34, posted a screenshot on his Instagram Stories showing Russ’ acknowledgment of his effort.
The post included a video from an earlier conversation where Russ had expressed his doubts, and in the caption, Russ wrote: “He dug in @JamieLaing, congratulations brother! Excited to hear the debrief on this one.”
The Hardest Geezer, who ran the length of Africa from April 2023 to 2024, knows exactly how tough the challenge Jamie faced was. At the finish line earlier this week, Russ shared a motivational message with Jamie and gave him a special gift – the England shirt he wore during his 9,900-mile run across Africa.
Weeks before the marathon, Jamie, who hosts a podcast with his wife Sophie Habboo, invited Russ onto their newlyweds podcast to talk about the upcoming run. Russ appeared concerned and wished Jamie luck, asking: “You’re going to run 50k every day for five days in a row?” Jamie confidently replied: “Yeah.”
Russ, still processing the challenge, asked: “How long?” to which Jamie responded: “17th March, in five or four weeks.” Taken aback, Russ said: “Wow, ok, dig in brother,” which made Jamie lean back in his seat, exclaiming: “Oh my god.” Russ then warned: “It’s going to be vindaloo spicy out there,” causing the trio to burst into laughter. Russ added: “You’re going to have a rough time, really rough.
“Maybe you’ll be able to push through it a bit, but the fact that the furthest you’ve run is 15K and you’re telling me you’re going to run 250K in five days. We’re verging on stupid there, I can’t lie.”
Jamie began the run at London’s Broadcasting House and crossed the finish line in Salford. After completing the gruelling challenge for charity, Jamie expressed his gratitude in an emotional statement, thanking all his fans for their incredible support during his Comic Relief run.
He was cheered on by a crowd of supporters as he ended his Ultra Marathon Man challenge in the northern city, where Red Nose Day was filmed. Wife Sophie was on hand as he crossed the finish line and his radio co-star Greg James even ran alongside him in a wedding dress as he helped get Jamie’s total over the £500,000 mark. There was doubt whether he would complete the five ultra marathons due to injury.
Jamie was due to appear on ITV’s Lorraine in the morning but was forced to pull out after falling behind in his progress in the challenge. He did manage to complete the challenge, and was triumphant on the Comic Relief stage on Friday night, even if he was limping from his marathon injuries. The star needed a physio check-up just miles away from the finish line
Just hours after completing the challenge, Jamie took to social media where he shared an emotional post from the past few days. He said: “Right here goes, this will be a long one & where to begin is almost impossible.
“I’m going to start with the Team behind it all, @bbcradio1 @comicrelief everyone. You have no idea the organisation, the balance of moments the catering, physio, logistics, mapping, planning, socials, everything that goes into something like this. It’s completely mind blowing – and there was not one slip up, not one moment that wasn’t completely seamless.
“That shows true leadership and true team work. Every single person was passionate, excited and drove me forward each day so thank you to everyone!!! To my @bbcradio1 family – wow you guys brought me in with open arms and accepted me from day 1. Words cannot express how grateful I am for you!! Truly.”
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