'Hardest Geezer' Russ Cook's memoir to be first deal from Steven Bartlett's Flight Books with Ebury

Endurance athlete Russ Cook will publish his memoir, Hardest Geezer: Becoming the First Person to Run the Entire Length of Africa, the first title in Steven Bartlett’s new imprint with Ebury, Flight Books. 

Publishing director Charlotte Hardman acquired world rights directly from Cook, who is known as the “Hardest Geezer”. 

It will be published on 24th October 2024 in hardback, audio and e-book in partnership with Steven Bartlett.  

The blurb reads: “Worthing-born Russ Cook became the first person to run the full length of Africa in an ultra-marathon that covered over 10,000 miles (the equivalent of 386 marathons), travelling through 16 countries from South Africa to Tunisia and taking 352 days.  

“Along the way, Russ was the victim of an attempted kidnap, held at knifepoint in an armed robbery and refused passage through Algeria, but kept running every day. He made his way through sandstorms in the Sahara, over mountain ranges and through rainforests and during the course of the challenge, which he completed on 7th April 2024, he raised over £1m for charity.”  

Hardest Geezer features Cook’s life story and motivations but also “offers inspirational lessons on endurance, survival and motivation”, the publishers said.  

Bartlett, whose new Flight Books imprint with Ebury was announced on Wednesday (26th June), commented: “The world watched in awe as Russ conquered Africa in an epic run earlier this year. But Russ isn’t one to stay still.  

“Today, he’s announcing his debut book, Hardest Geezer, published under my brand new imprint, Flight Books. This book goes beyond the miles - it’s a deep dive into his untold stories, a testament to his epic grit, unwavering determination, and the immense heart he carries with him, even beyond the road. This book is a powerful testament to human potential, and I know readers will be as deeply connected to his story as I have been.”  

Cook says: “So much happened to me on my journey through Africa that I’ve never spoken about before. I’m really thrilled that Ebury and Steven have given me the opportunity to tell my story and explain to everyone what running the length of Africa was really like. And I’m buzzing to be able to share my book with the hundreds of thousands of people who have supported me on the way.” 

Hardman said: “I find Russ’ achievements astonishing, but perhaps more astonishing is his down-to-earth, anything-is-possible attitude. Everyone at Ebury was captivated by his challenge to run the length of Africa and cheered him on all the way, so we are absolutely delighted that we are lucky enough to publish his brilliantly inspiring and motivational memoir this autumn.”