Russ Cook Sports Personality of the Year Odds: Record-breaking runner 16/1 to receive prestigious gong

Nicknamed 'Hardest Geezer', 27-year-old Russ Cook has been priced at 16/1 to win the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award after becoming the first human to run the length of Africa.

Hailing from Worthing, West Sussex, Cook embarked on this historic feat as part of a challenge for charity, with his epic odyssey seeing him run over 16,000km in 352 days.

The equivalent of 385 marathons, Cook's remarkable route through Africa took him through 16 different countries as a dedicated army of social media followers tracked his movements along the way.

A story which has captured the interest of the nation, Cook is given odds of 16/1 to be named as the BBC Sports Personality of the Year in 2024.

Sports Personality of the Year 2024 Odds

• Luke Littler - 4/1
• Jude Bellingham - 13/2
• Mark Cavendish - 8/1
• Harry Kane - 9/1
• Ronnie O'Sullivan - 14/1
• Russ Cook - 16/1
• Katarina Johnson-Thompson - 22/1
• Tyson Fury - 22/1
• Adam Peaty - 22/1
• Keely Hodgkinson - 22/1
• Phil Foden - 22/1

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Although Cook would represent an atypical recipient of the SPOTY gong, reports suggest the endurance runner would indeed be eligible, with the terms and conditions stating the award is for the "sportsperson whose sporting actions have most captured the UK public’s imagination."

Cook may find himself with plenty competition for Sports Personality of the Year, however, in what looks set to be a huge year for British sport.

Darts sensation Luke Littler (4/1) is the current frontrunner, with the 'Nuke' finishing runner-up in the World Championship in January and continuing his fine form shown at Alexandra Palace into the Premier League season.

England's performance at the Euros in Germany this summer is also likely to have a big say on who gets their hands on the SPOTY award, with the likes of Jude Bellingham (13/2), Harry Kane (9/1) and Phil Foden (22/1) possible candidates.

The Summer Olympic Games in Paris will also offer a platform for British sporting stardom, as athletes including Adam Peaty (22/1), Katarina Johnson-Thompson (22/1) and Keely Hodgkinson (22/1) strive to bring home gold medals.

James Wilson

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