British comedian Eddie Izzard completed his 27 marathons in 27 days challenge today with a double marathon in Pretoria.
Izzard’s feat has raised more than £1.35 million toward Sport Relief. The 2016 Sport Relief total stands at £56,984,007.
Today I ran an 84km (56 mile) double marathon in 11 hrs 5mins & a 90km Comrades length marathon in 11 hrs 50 mins pic.twitter.com/8OdaRiikpZ
— Eddie Izzard (@eddieizzard) March 20, 2016
He crossed the finish line under the giant statue of Nelson Mandela in Pretoria. “It’s been the hardest thing I’ve ever done and I’m very tired,” he told the BBC. Thank you to everyone who has donated. This was tough so don’t do this at home.”
If you missed this – you need to see it!@EddieIzzard – 27 marathons in 27 days. WOW.https://t.co/lTYkCjysNP pic.twitter.com/RZOZIfHSkz — BBC Get Inspired (@bbcgetinspired) March 20, 2016
He celebrated completing his challenge by swigging a bottle of sparkling white wine.
#eddieizzard 27 marathons in 27 days for Sport Relief! So bloody proud #MarathonMan pic.twitter.com/VtIdB8Lkuz
— Glo (@wiltshireglo) March 20, 2016
On the fifth day of the challenge the 54-year-old was forced to take an unscheduled rest day, meaning he had to complete two marathons on the 27th day.
Izzard’s 27 marathons reflect the 27 years Nelson Mandela spent in prison.
Back in 2012 he attempted the same feat, but was forced to stop due to health issues after the fourth marathon.
Izzard addressed the crowds outside the Union Buildings in Pretoria where Mandela gave his inaugural speech in 1994 by saying, “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.”
Image Credits: Twitter/EddieIzzard
