• Russ Cook, 27, started running from Wembley Stadium at June 11 for his trip
  • He has been running approximately 50 miles a day to make it to Germany 

Charity fundraiser Russ Cook made it to the first England match of Euro 2024 after running from Wembley to the stadium in Germany.

The 27-year-old, known as Hardest Geezer, left Wembley Stadium on June 11 in a bid to reach the city of Gelsenkirchen in western Germany in time to see the England men's football team in their opening fixture against Serbia.

Mr Cook updated his followers on social media on Sunday, showing him running the final stretches of his journey to Germany and celebrating England's 1-0 win inside the Arena AufSchalke.

The charity campaigner videoed himself running with 10 kilometres to go, telling the camera: 'Collars are up, business mode is activated. Let's have it, come on England.'

Russ Cook
Russ Cook

Russ Cook, known as Hardest Geezer has ran more than 350 miles from Wembley Stadium to Gelsenkirchen to catch England's Euro 2024 opener against Serbia 

His route to Gelsenkirchen saw him run 352 miles - split either side of a ferry from Essex to the Netherlands - before England's first match against Serbia on Sunday

His route to Gelsenkirchen saw him run 352 miles - split either side of a ferry from Essex to the Netherlands - before England's first match against Serbia on Sunday

He is then shown singing along to Sweet Caroline as the crowd in the stadium celebrates England's victory, and says: 'One-nil win secured, back on road in the morning. Up the boys, come on.'

After his arrival in Germany, Mr Cook will run from city to city to follow manager Gareth Southgate and the England team throughout the tournament and will be setting off on Monday to Frankfurt, where England will play Denmark on Thursday.

Mr Cook, who completed a mammoth African trek from Cape Town to Tunisia in April, previously said: 'Obviously England are playing in the Euros, I want to support the boys.'

'This might be our year, I think we'll be going all the way,' he said.

'I believe in Southgate, I trust the boys, I'm looking forward to watching it all unfold.'

Mr Cook said he will be aiming to run between 60 and 80 kilometres each day to cover the distances and similar to his challenge running the length of Africa, he will be inviting those who spot him to join him along the way.

'Maybe we'll get a few running along, joining for the ones and twos in between the games,' he said.

'It will be wicked, I'm looking forward to getting out there.'

Mr Cook has been sponsored in his venture by Sports Direct and retro shirt brand Score Draw, donating his sponsorship to The Running Charity - which supports young people who are homeless or have complex needs.

He said: 'It's good to be able to do these things that have a positive impact and that are more than just running around.'

Along the way, he will be recording regular video updates to keep the public up to date with his progress through social media.

Mr Cook said his fundraising page from Project Africa is still live, saying those that want to donate to his cause can do so there.

Russ Cook crossed 16 countries as he ran the equivalent of 385 marathons a day, and claimed to be the first person to ever run the length of the African continent

Russ Cook crossed 16 countries as he ran the equivalent of 385 marathons a day, and claimed to be the first person to ever run the length of the African continent

Cook, 27, (pictured) celebrated as he completed his 10,100 miles from Cape Agulhas in South Africa to Ras Angela, Tunisia, in 352 days

Cook, 27, (pictured) celebrated as he completed his 10,100 miles from Cape Agulhas in South Africa to Ras Angela, Tunisia, in 352 days