Eddie Izzard Ran 27 Marathons in 27 Days

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Eddie Izzard Ran 27 Marathons in 27 Days
British comedian Eddie Izzard holds a South African flag at the foot of Table mountain in Cape Town, South Africa, Friday, March. 18, 2016. Eddie Izzard is attempting to complete 27 marathons in 27 days across South Africa by Sunday, as part of his charity drive. (AP Photo/Schalk van Zuydam)
3/21/2016
Updated:
3/21/2016

Comedian, actor, and writer Eddie Izzard ran an astonishing 27 marathons over the course of 27 days in South Africa.

The feat is to honor the 27 years that Nelson Mandela spent in prison before being named South Africa’s first black president.

As Izzard ran, he held up the South African flag.

British comedian Eddie Izzard holds a South African flag beneath a statue of former president Nelson Mandela at the government's Union Buildings in Pretoria, South Africa, Sunday, March 20, 2016. (AP Photo)
British comedian Eddie Izzard holds a South African flag beneath a statue of former president Nelson Mandela at the government's Union Buildings in Pretoria, South Africa, Sunday, March 20, 2016. (AP Photo)

On the last day, the 54 year old Izzard had to run a double marathon (over 52 miles) to make up for a day of rest on the fifth day due to medical concerns. He finished beneath a statue of Nelson Mandela, and celebrated with a bottle of champagne.

“It’s been the hardest thing I’ve ever done and I’m very tired,” he told the BBC after finishing the final race.

In 2012, the comedian tried to accomplish a similar feat, also in South Africa, but had to pull out after four days for health reasons.

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Due to South Africa’s climate, Izzard battled through dehydration, heat exhaustion, and sunstroke to reach his goal.  

British comedian Eddie Izzard beneath a statue of former president Nelson Mandela at the government's Union Buildings in Pretoria, South Africa, Sunday, March 20, 2016. (AP Photo)
British comedian Eddie Izzard beneath a statue of former president Nelson Mandela at the government's Union Buildings in Pretoria, South Africa, Sunday, March 20, 2016. (AP Photo)

In total, he ran a total of 707.4 miles, and it was sponsored by Sports Relief, an organization that raises money for charity through celebrity challenges.

Izzard said: “This has been a long project, but with the help of ‘Team 27’ I did it. Thank you so much to everyone who donated. I always knew I‘d be back. When I didn’t make it in 2012 I knew I’d be back. I can’t stand upright, I have a huge blister and I’m exhausted. But I’m delighted.”

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Izzard’s feat raised 1.35 million pounds ($1,942,528), and Sports Relief, as of 2016, has raised 56,984,007 pounds ($81,974,343).

British comedian Eddie Izzard beneath a statue of former president Nelson Mandela at the government's Union Buildings in Pretoria, South Africa on March 20. Izzard has completed his challenge to run 27 marathons in 27 days for Sport Relief to remember the 27 years Mandela spent in prison. (AP Photo)
British comedian Eddie Izzard beneath a statue of former president Nelson Mandela at the government's Union Buildings in Pretoria, South Africa on March 20. Izzard has completed his challenge to run 27 marathons in 27 days for Sport Relief to remember the 27 years Mandela spent in prison. (AP Photo)