![HOSTAGE TO HERO](https://cdn.magzter.com/Men's Fitness/1718953406/articles/nyvND2aPS1718957423381/HOSTAGE-TO-HERO.jpg)
While the world's press focused on the incredible cross-continent efforts of Russ 'Hardest Geezer' Cook [who recently ran the length of Africa from the southernmost to northernmost points], another exceptional runner - 57-year-old Keith Boyd found himself negotiating his way out of a hostage situation while on a mission to break a different but not dissimilar world record.
Travelling from Cape Town to Cairo on foot, along the treacherous Eastern coast of Africa, Boyd aimed to surpass the 26-year-old record of 318 days. Despite grappling with a heart condition and asthma, Boyd dedicated a mere four months to training for what would become one of the toughest and most perilous footraces in the world.
On May 22, 2024, he etched his name in the annals of history by completing the Cape to Cairo route in a remarkable 301 days, 20 hours, 58 minutes. His epic journey was not without significant challenges, though - including being beaten and held at gunpoint.
Men's Fitness spoke to Boyd soon after he reached Cairo, to discover the sheer courage and determination it took to complete his at times death-defying run.
Men's Fitness: What was your motivation to do this run in the first place?
Keith Boyd: I ran this for the British Heart Foundation and Rainbow Leaders. The BHF is close to my, well, heart, because when I decided to do a full Ironman about 12 years ago, I had a top-to-toe medical which revealed I had enormously high levels of calcification in my coronary arteries. But I’d never felt healthier, so since I was 45 I have been on statins and having to manage my cholesterol. I take fortnightly injections to reduce my lipoprotein production, and I do triathlons to keep fit.
Rainbow Leaders is a charity which encourages youngsters in South Africa to vote. The vote is something so many fought hard to achieve there, but they have become disillusioned. I want to help change that.
Esta historia es de la edición July 2024 de Men's Fitness UK.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición July 2024 de Men's Fitness UK.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
![BALANCING ACT](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/498/1740439/_GSNha05G1718963093104/BALANCING-ACT.jpg)
BALANCING ACT
Incorporate balance training into your routine to sharpen skills, reduce injury risk and boost overall performance
![TIMING IS EVERYTHING](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/498/1740439/aKtZhD2cG1718963010704/TIMING-IS-EVERYTHING.jpg)
TIMING IS EVERYTHING
KICKSTART YOUR DAY Seven concrete benefits of working out in the morning
![RACK RELIEF](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/498/1740439/Sj8zxx3ib1718962762267/RACK-RELIEF.jpg)
RACK RELIEF
Unlock strength and flexibility with these targeted mobility stretches for achieving an optimal front rack position
![MAKE WAVES](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/498/1740439/nsLLRhDWf1718962622060/MAKE-WAVES.jpg)
MAKE WAVES
Tackle this full-body session from record-breaking swimmer Ben Proud
![LIFT BURN REPEAT](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/498/1740439/fKP45HUrD1718962219265/LIFT-BURN-REPEAT.jpg)
LIFT BURN REPEAT
Metabolic resistance training (MRT) combines structured circuit training with progressive weights for time-efficient fat loss and muscle growth. World-renowned physique coach Gareth Sapstead has all you need to know
![GOAL DIGGER](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/498/1740439/1SjZl_qyL1718961665741/GOAL-DIGGER.jpg)
GOAL DIGGER
SELF-DEVELOPMENT GURU NICHOLAS BUNNEY LAYS OUT A GAME PLAN FOR SETTING ROCK-SOLID GOALS AND CHOOSING GENUINE VALUES OVER QUICK FIXES
![HORMONE HARMONY](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/498/1740439/TJ5R-7ZNF1718957703315/HORMONE-HARMONY.jpg)
HORMONE HARMONY
Life coach David Phillips beat depression and found happiness by hacking his neurochemicals - here's how you can do the same
![HOSTAGE TO HERO](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/498/1740439/nyvND2aPS1718957423381/HOSTAGE-TO-HERO.jpg)
HOSTAGE TO HERO
Keith Boyd overcame a heart condition, guerrilla warfare and kidnapping to break a 26-year-old running record
![METATATION](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/498/1740439/p1vmi8myj1718956901330/METATATION.jpg)
METATATION
Headspace XR is the mindfulness and meditation app for use with Meta Quest virtual reality headsets, but is it mind expanding or mind numbing?
![REACH FOR THE SKY](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/498/1740439/kY89dHBiK1718956746164/REACH-FOR-THE-SKY.jpg)
REACH FOR THE SKY
Hoka's Skyward X promises that holy grail of running shoes: speed and comfort. But it really shines over moderate-paced miles