Setting off from South Africa’s southernmost point on April 22, 2023, 27-year-old Russ Cook started a journey to cross the vast and diverse area of the African continent. His incredible journey covered 16 countries and a distance equal to 385 marathons, and concluded after 352 days of perseverance.

However, Russ’s journey was not without its share of challenges and dangers. Along the way, he encountered harrowing incidents, including a terrible armed robbery in Angola where he and his support team were robbed their belongings at gunpoint. He was kidnapped (绑架) by a group in Congo, and transported deep into the jungle before being rescued by his team.

Reflecting on these terrible experiences, Russ said, “I’ll be honest. It was the scariest, scariest couple of days ever of my life,” during an interview with Good Morning Britain. “Gonna be honest the last few days have probably been some of the toughest of my life. On day 102, I was separated from the boys & the support van after some blocked roads in the planned route.” Russ wrote on his social media.

Despite facing very difficult situations, Russ remained determined in his mission. Even when faced with health issues, like back pain, he pressed on, running more than a marathon’s distance each day. Only forced to pause for logistical (后勤的) reasons, like visa requirements, or when medical help was needed, Russ’s determination to complete his journey never changed. There were moments of extreme exhaustion and despair, including instances where he couldn’t keep food down for over 24 hours and experienced sleepless nights.

Russ crossed the finish line in Tunisia, becoming the first person ever to run the entire length of Africa. In addition to his personal success, Russ’s journey has also brought hope for many. Through his inspiring attempt, he has raised over £700,000 for charity.

1.When did Russ probably complete his journey?

A On April 22, 2023.

B On May 28, 2023.

C On April 7, 2024.

D On May 4, 2024.

解析：选C。C 数字计算题。根据第一段第一句的“Setting off from South Africa’s southernmost point on April 22, 2023”以及最后一句中的“and concluded after 352 days of perseverance”可知，开始于2023年4月22日，历经352天，结束于2024年4月7日。故选C。

2.What does the underlined word “harrowing” mean?

A Comforting.

B Frightening.

C Disappointing.

D Amazing.

解析：选B。B词义猜测题。根据划线部分后面的“including a terrible armed robbery in Angola where he and his support team were robbed their belongings at gunpoint”可知，途中，拉斯也遇到了一些突发事件，包括途中遇到持枪抢劫以及被绑架，这些都是恐怖的事件。故选B。

3.Russ might stop running for a short time when __________.

A he was experiencing back pain

B he was very tired and hopeless

C he didn’t get enough sleep

D he needed medical treatment

解析：选D。D 细节理解题。根据第四段中的“Only forced to pause for logistical (后勤的) reasons, like visa requirements, or when medical help was needed”可知，只有当他的后勤保障遇到问题，如签证问题或者需要医疗救助时，他才会暂停跑步。故选D。

4.What was one of the purposes of Russ’s effort?

A To raise money for people in need.

B To make a big fortune for his team.

C To make himself known worldwide.

D To explore the limits of human body.

解析：选A。A 细节理解题。根据最后一段中的“Through his inspiring attempt, he has raised over £700,000 for charity”通过他鼓舞人心的尝试，他已经为慈善事业筹集了70多万英镑，即他跑步的目的之一是为慈善机构凑集善款，帮助那些有需要的人。故选A。