AW collaboration: Sir Mo Farah shows support for athlete aiming to become first man to run length of Africa

If youre undertaking a serious challenge on the worlds second-largest and second-most-populous continent, then there arent many better people to cheer you on your journey than Sir Mo Farah. Thats exactly what has happened to Russell Cook, a recognisable face from the world of YouTube who is aiming to become the first man to run the full length of Africa.

Cooks challenge is in its early stages but it has managed to gain a lot of traction so far. Sir Mo Farah, a legendary long-distance runner who has captured the attention of the UK public on numerous occasions after winning major races and being backed by millions when it comes to race predictions and sports betting, is one of many celebrity faces who have shown their support for the Worthing-born runner and his attempt, a journey that initially started on April 22.

Day 32 of running the entire length of Africa. Todays message courtesy of a true icon Sir Mo Farah pic.twitter.com/Dyvfgtbgrt

Russ (@hardestgeezer) May 23, 2023

Sir Mo sent a video message 

With serious progress already being made by Cook, Sir Mo Farah was made aware of the remarkable effort that is being put into the challenge. After all, Sir Mo overcame a number of obstacles of his own, with the British athletes rise to the top providing a number of celebrated achievements along the way.

Farahs rise to the very top wasnt a foregone conclusion. Many critics wrote him off in the early stages of his career but it was the public who loyally backed him. Watchful fans placed their bets on the athlete by making the most of useful tools like a bet calculator to see how much they could win in a flash and gain a clearer understanding of their wagers in the process. His achievements are remarkable, be it at London 2012 when won gold in the Mens 5000m, or in the array of other iconic races he managed to reign supreme in.

In a video message to Russell Cook, who is also known as the Hardest Geezer on YouTube, the most successful British track athlete in modern Olympic Games history said: I just wanted to say amazing work. I am so proud of you for what youre doing. Its incredible. No one can tell you, you cant because you can. Believe in yourself. Everyone is supporting you. The nation is supporting you.

Day 32 of running the entire length of Africa. Todays message courtesy of a true icon Sir Mo Farah pic.twitter.com/Dyvfgtbgrt

Russ (@hardestgeezer) May 23, 2023

Cook has a long way to go yet 

Although Cook is currently making admirable progress at the time of writing, running through 16 different African countries is a challenge even Sir Mo Farah himself would potentially struggle to accomplish. For Cook, running the equivalent of 360 marathons in 240 days is going to be tough, but after training hard and with a supportive team of people behind him, including Sir Mo, its a mission he could certainly accomplish.

A Christmas finish is the aim

The finish line is the most northerly point of Tunisia for Cook, who is currently in Namibia after smashing through South Africa at the start of an almighty challenge that nobody has ever managed to pull off. With a team behind him capturing every kilometre for his growing YouTube channel, Cooks aim of finishing in time for Christmas is a very real one. Make no mistake about it, with immensely talented athletes like Sir Mo Farah on his side, Russell Cook is a name we could become even more familiar with in the future.

Olympic sprint relay silver medallist and Commonwealth 200m champion was also a brilliant and respected coach

Mike McFarlane, the 1980s sprints icon and much-admired coach, is close to death in hospital after a heart attack earlier this week. AW understands he was pronounced brain dead by doctors on Wednesday (May 31) but is on life support until Friday at the latest while his family say goodbye.

Mac, as he is affectionately known, won Olympic 4x100m silver in 1988 and European indoor 60m gold in 1985 representing Great Britain, but he was perhaps best known for finishing joint first in an English vest with reigning Olympic 100m champion Allan Wells in the 200m at the 1982 Commonwealth Games.

In an epic race in Brisbane, Australia, both men clocked 20.43 and officials were unable to separate them on the photo finish, ultimately awarding them both the gold.

In later years Mac, as he was affectionately known, enjoyed great success as a sprints coach but suffered a heart attack in recent days and was unable to recover in hospital.

Everyone at UK Athletics is saddened to hear of the passing of Mike McFarlane, the Olympic silver medallist and highly respected coach, said the national governing body. All our thoughts go to his family and friends at this time.

Kath Merry, the Olympic 400m medallist and broadcaster, said: A wonderful coach and a super athlete. How sad. No age at 63. Always a smiling face. He will be missed.

Jeanette Kwayke, former UK 60m record-holder, added: Coaches like Mac played such an important role in the lives of so many of the boys I grew up in the game with.

As a teenager McFarlane won a hat-trick of English Schools 200m titles from 1975-1977. Indeed, his wind-assisted winning time of 20.9 in the senior boys race at the 1977 event in London still stands as a championship best today.

Such talent led him to the top of the podium at the same distance at the European Under-20 Championships in Bydgoszcz in 1979 and he earned a spot on the AW front cover shortly afterwards.

At a time when Newcastle and Arsenal striker Malcolm MacDonald AKA Super Mac was making national headlines due to his speed, British athletics had its own super Mac who was even quicker. Coached by John Isaacs at Haringey, McFarlanes brilliance acted as a catalyst for the revival of British sprinting in the 1980s.

In 1984 he took the UK 100m title in Cwmbran ahead of Buster Watson and Donovan Reid and went on to finish fifth in the Olympic 100m final in Los Angeles where he rubbed shoulders with multiple gold medallist Carl Lewis.

The following winter he won the European indoor 60m crown in Athens in 6.61 ahead of Antoine Richard of France and Ronald Desruelles of Belgium, but he will go down in history as one of Britains greatest bend runners on an outdoor track.

It is this ability that saw him combine with Elliot Bunney, John Regis and Linford Christie at the 1988 Seoul Games when the GB quartet with McFarlane on the third leg took silver in 38.28, less than one tenth of a second behind the Soviet Union.

McFarlanes career wound down in the late 1980s and he ended his career with PBs of 10.22 (10.08w) for 100m and 20.43 from the famous Commonwealth final before going on to help future generations of athletes.

Rob Draper, a former athlete who went on to be chief football writer at the Mail on Sunday, said: Mac was a superbly-gifted coach and underused in this country at times, especially in the last decade. He coached a clean Dwain Chambers to 9.97 and world 100m bronze in 1999, a trailblazing performance for that generation of sprinters. No one knew more about sprints in the UK than him and Linford Christie.

But he was so much more than a great coach: he was a husband to Joanne and father to Ryan. His charisma filled a room. He was a loyal friend and straight talker.

He worked incredibly hard, coaching world-class athletes like Chambers, Julian Golding and Tony Jarrett whilst working for the Duke of Edinburgh award scheme. More recently the likes of Jodie Williams and Desiree Henry benefited from his advice.

My memory of him will be stood with stopwatch at New River Stadium on a dark, cold night, his squad complaining about 300m reps and Mac pushing them on through the pain.

With social media increasingly awash with tributes, Newham & Essex Beagles said: Mikes extraordinary contributions to the world of athletics have left an indelible mark, and his loss will be felt deeply by the entire sporting community.

His exceptional achievements as a sprinter were an inspiration to countless individuals around the world. His dedication, unwavering determination, and remarkable talent propelled him to the pinnacle of athletic success. His legacy as a sprinter will continue to motivate aspiring athletes for generations to come.

Moreover, Mikes subsequent career as a coach has been equally remarkable. His passion for nurturing young talents and imparting his extensive knowledge and experience to others made him a revered figure in the field of sports coaching. His guidance and mentorship have undoubtedly shaped the lives and careers of many athletes, instilling in them the values of discipline, resilience, and the pursuit of excellence.

With light nights and warmer weather now with us, its the perfect time to venture off the beaten track and here are some of the latest shoes to help you explore your local trails

VJ Ultra 2 145.00

Vjsport.fi

Using 4mm deep butyl rubber studs for exceptional traction, its no wonder the brand claim to offer the best grip on the planet!

On a variety of surfaces from grass to gravel to rock and in varying conditions, we couldnt put a foot wrong in these shoes. Straight from the box, the sole feels almost sticky to the touch and particularly on wet rock, which is usually the strongest test for this type of off-road shoe, the shoe excels with a surefootedness beyond compare.

Now offering more stability thanks to a slightly wider footprint, the shoe also features a rock plate to protect against the harshest underfoot conditions.

Durability is excellent thanks to the Kevlar woven upper which is now lighter and softer but still features protective overlays all around the foot. The brands Fitlock system is a broad band incorporated into the medial side of the upper which wraps under the arch of the foot and adds to the support and secure fit of the shoe.

For an unrivalled grip and great durability, its a shoe that goes the distance.

Mizuno Wave Mujin 9 140.00

Run4It.com

 A little lighter than the previous version, the Mujin 9 still retains the key features that make it a great off-road option.

The cleverly engineered multi-directional pattern of the Michelin rubber outsole provides excellent traction, stability, durability and adaptability on a variety of surfaces. Now 12mm wider across the forefoot footprint, the shoe feels more planted on the trail, adding to the feel of stability and improved traction.

The dual-layer midsole is made up of the brands U4ICX and Enerzy cushioning foams. Combined they give a nice feel of cushioning and stability without being overly soft. This helps retain the sensation of being closely connected to the trail for a confident footing.

TPU support straps incorporated into the heel area of the shoe help create a secure and supportive fit, adding to the stable ride and making this a versatile off-road option.

ASICS Gel Trabuco 11 145.00

Sportsshoes.com

An excellent door-to-trail option, the Trabuco feels very much like a highly cushioned road shoe with an off-road outsole.

The FF Blast cushioning with a Gel insert in the heel really does soak up the impact and makes this a shoe that could cover many miles on any surface. Theres 2mm more cushioning under the forefoot than the previous version as well as a rock plate to prevent sharp stones from penetrating it on harsh terrain.

The breathable mesh upper again has a road-like feel, so it feels comfortable from the first step inside. Added protection around the toe keeps the undergrowth at bay and aids durability.

For max off-road cushioning, its a great choice.

INOV-8 Trailfly G270 v2 150.00

Inov-8.com

 With a lab-tested more durable upper, the G270 is made to go the distance.

A zero drop, 12mm stack of cushioning gives it a connected feel of the ground making it easy to move quickly across unpredictable terrain. While that 12mm sounds a little low, it does a great job of cushioning by using the brands Powerflow Max foam combined with their Boomerang footbed (a super-soft and almost springy insole).

The 4mm deep Graphene lugs provide traction which proves to be exceptionally durable. As with all the brands shoes the number (in this case 270) indicates the weight of the shoe. At 270 grams it is light thanks to a great wraparound fit it disappears on the foot and feels even lighter on the move.

Its a great option for moving fast across uneven ground thanks to the low stack yet cushioned feel.

Nike Pegasus Trail 4 GTX 144.95

Nike.com

One of the most popular road running shoes of all time with a waterproof upper and go-anywhere sole, is this the perfect trail shoe?

Well, it certainly ticks a lot of the boxes. The React foam cushioning is a little different from the road-going Pegasus but here proves to be light and more importantly durable. Combined with an outsole design that provides good traction when both descending and ascending steep trails, the underfoot performance is great.

Gore-Tex invisible fit waterproofing is a welcome addition if you happen to encounter a slightly larger than usual puddle of even long wet grass as it keeps your feet warm and dry.

Ultimately a very easy to get on with multi-use shoe with great step-in comfort that remains wherever you venture.

Brooks Catamount 2 160.00

Brooksrunning.com

Whereas the original Catamount felt more like a trail racer, this update gives the shoe a wider appeal and more versatility thanks to a deeper stack of cushioning. Its the brands DNA Flash midsole used in this shoe, a nitrogen-injected material that offers a light, cushioned and highly responsive ride, its also very durable as weve found out in the brands Glycerin road running model.

A Skyvault propulsion plate is embedded into the midsole and although the shoe does feel responsive the plate serves more to add protection from sharp rocks. The TrailTack rubber offers sticky traction on rocks but also serves well across a variety of surfaces.

The clever dual-sided mesh upper has an abrasion-resistant outer side and a soft, quick-drying inner and is put together to the same high standard weve come to expect from Brooks.

For the feel of a responsive road racer in an off-road model, its a great choice.

 Saucony Peregrine 13 130.00

Saucony.com

The most established trail shoe in our line-up, the 13^th edition of the Peregrine continues to offer a great blend of cushioning and grip in a shoe that seems to become more comfortable with each update.

The 28mm stack of PWRRUN foam provides road-shoe-like levels of cushioning but when combined with the brands PWRTRAC outsole, the aggressive grip transforms it into an off-road shoe capable of taking on the harshest terrain. Despite the deep 28mm stack height, the shoe remains super-light at just 260g, so it never feels heavy, even when wet.

The upper is light, breathable and soft around the foot but with added protection around the toe bumper where youll need it most.

Its a competitively priced option that you can confidently venture off the beaten track in.

Merrell MTL Skyline 2 170.00

Merrell.com

At just 198g, this shoe is the lightest in this line-up. Its most definitely a trail racer rather than an everyday off-road shoe and is designed for moving fast.

Compared to many of the other shoes featured here its a more minimal affair, with low-profile cushioning encasing a FlexPlate. This plate acts to add stability and protection as well as provide a responsive toe-off. Despite not being carbon, it does give a nice spring-like effect but thats only noticeable on firmer surfaces.

The outsole uses Vibram Metagrip and features large cut-away sections to keep weight down and aid flexibility. It has 5mm deep lugs that provide great grip in wet and dry conditions.

The upper is more akin to that of a road racing shoe, super lightweight, again making this best for race day than the more demanding requirements of everyday off-roading.

The North Face Summit Vectiv Pro 225.00

Thenorthface.co.uk

Aimed perhaps more at ultra-distance trail races such as the UTMB, the Vectiv Pro offers high stack cushioning and a carbon-fibre plate usually seen on top-end road racers.

The 33mm stack of foam and deep rocker offers the feel of a road shoe along with the now familiar carbon-plate toe-off effect. Combined with the 3.5mm outsole lugs we have a package that can cover long distances with a propulsive feel for mile after mile on rugged terrain.

The shoe copes well with gravel and firmer trail surfaces for which it is aimed more so than muddy paths and tracks. But as always with trail shoes its horses for courses on in its intended habitat the shoe excels.

A light, breathable mesh upper is again suited to warmer weather but its much more durable than it first appears. For ultra-events the cushioning and feel keep on going mile after mile.

With the event set to commence on Saturday, August 19, the countdown of less than 80 days intensifies the anticipation for what will undoubtedly be the years most prominent sporting extravaganza

It is an undeniable truth that the upcoming World Championships in Budapest, slated to commence in less than three months on August 19, have generated immense interest not only within Hungary but also throughout Europe and across the globe. The third biggest sporting event of the world returns to Europe for the first time since the 2017 World Championships in London.

Therefore, it comes as no surprise that a significant number of athletics enthusiasts from neighbouring countries have already secured their tickets, in addition to the fervent support from local fans.

Aside from Hungary, the highest ticket sales have been recorded in the United Kingdom, Germany, Poland, Italy, and the United States. Anticipated attendees from more than 80 countries are poised to witness the awe-inspiring performances of these athletic superheroes. Remarkably, over 180,000 tickets have already been sold, covering a range of nine evening sessions and five morning sessions. Notably, the Superhero package, offering access to the entirety of the World Championships, are no longer available in category 1, illustrating the fervour surrounding this remarkable event.

Its recommended to purchase your tickets or packages as soon as possible through https://tickets.wabudapest23.com/ to secure the best seats and Witness the Wonder!

The most popular session is scheduled for Saturday evening, August 26, featuring the current superstar of track and field, Armand Duplantis. He will once again attempt to surpass his own world record of 6.22m in the mens pole vault final. There are only a few empty seats left!

Tickets are also selling well for the Sunday evening session, August 20. Expect fireworks not only in the centre of Budapest but also at the National Athletics Centre, coinciding with the Hungarian national holiday. Alongside the finals of the mens 100m, mens 10,000m, womens long jump, and Bence Halász, the top Hungarian contender, will be competing for a medal in the mens hammer throw final.

The extraordinary indoor season and the upcoming outdoor season, beginning at the end of May, promise to deliver the greatest ever World Championships. Armand Duplantis, Femke Bol, Nafissatou Thiam, Ryan Crouser, and Lamecha Girma have all already set world records this year. Kimberly García and María Pérez have also delivered a 35km walk that could be unparalleled on the streets of Budapest. The marathon and walking races are free to watch in the magical capital of Hungary.

The National Athletics Centre is nearing completion, becoming the most modern athletics facility in the Central and Eastern European region. An additional section of bleachers for the World Championships has been finished, allowing 35,000 people to cheer on their favourite athletes each day. The MONDO-covered track, known as the red carpet of world records due to its speed, has been installed. In the park surrounding the facility, the trees are already green, sound tests are underway, and the warm-up track on Csepel Island is currently under construction.

The World Athletics Championships in Budapest is easily accessible for everyone. Not only can you fly to the Hungarian capital from most countries in Europe and around the world with a maximum of one connection, but tickets are also reasonably priced.

The five morning sessions are available for a flat fee of 3000 HUF (~8 USD). For the evening sessions, ticket prices on weekdays range from 17 USD for the cheapest to 47 USD for the most expensive. On the weekend evenings, tickets range from 22 USD to 57 USD. Additionally, there are three different packages available: one for the two days of the opening weekend (Firestarter package), another for the last three days of the World Champs (Crown package), and a full World Champs package (Superhero package).

One notable feature of the World Championships schedule is its flexibility, allowing the worlds top athletes to participate in multiple events. Alongside the more traditional doubles like 100-200m, 200-400m, 400-800m, 800-1500m, 1500-5000m, and 5000-10000m, Lamecha Girma has the opportunity to compete in the 3000m hurdles-5000m combination. Yulimar Rojas, the current world record holder of triple jump, might even consider trying her hand at the long jump during the opening weekend of the World Championships on August 25, if shes up for it.

This approach ensures that fans visiting Budapest can witness their favourite athletes competing in multiple events during the biggest sporting event of the year, for which the athletes have been preparing throughout the year. Furthermore, this World Championships also serves as a qualification event for the 2024 Paris Olympics, providing everyone with additional motivation to achieve better results!

Get your tickets HERE and Witness the Wonder!