Cape Town - Under the blazing South African sun, comedian Eddie Izzard is currently running his fourth marathon and is 23 days and 23 marathons away from the finish line.
The English stand-up comedian, actor, and writer is on a quest to run 27 marathons in 27 days to honour Nelson Mandela’s 27 years in prison. He also aims to raise funds for the Sports Relief charity to support disadvantaged people in the UK and abroad.
Izzard will run about 1127 km in total, a daunting distance for the mere mortal who finds a walk to shop tiring.
The start of the marathon saw Izzard crossing the Mbashe River and passing through Madiba’s home village of Mveso. He will also run on Robben Island and to Union Buildings in Pretoria.
Four years ago, Izzard attempted the same challenge but pulled out due to health reasons.
His first marathon was on February 23 and he will end on March 20 at the Union Buildings.
Of course, completing marathons of this nature will be no easy task. The biological effects of this are swelling, delayed onset muscle soreness and can weaken the immune system.
The 54-year-old is not new to such athletics feats. In 2009, he completed 43 marathons in 51 days also for the Sports Relief Charity.
When asked why he would put himself through such physical torture, Izzard replied, “27 marathons in 27 days is nothing compared to what Nelson Mandela did by serving 27 years in prison...”
* Follow Eddie Izzard on Twitter @eddieizzard
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