Comedian Eddie Izzard Completes 27 Marathons in 27 Days

By
REX/Shutterstock


Eddie Izzard
may be a comedian, but after his past month, he should be called a superhero.

The 54-year-old actor completed his 27th marathon in 27 days on Sunday.

RELATED: 'OITNB' Star Uzo Aduba & More Celebs Run Boston Marathon

He ran a total of 707 miles in South Africa, reaching his goal in Johannesburg, where he had to compete in a double marathon in order to complete his challenge in time. The extra miles were due to an unexpected rest day he had to take early in his challenge.

In a NSFW Periscope video shared early Sunday, Izzard revealed that a tight calf nearly stopped him from finishing the race. "My calf's rearranged…" he explained. "This is really rough. I’ve done about 60 kilometers [so far]."

He managed to pull through, however, and did so in typical Izzard fashion -- with red painted nails!

REX/Shutterstock

Immediately after his last event, the Hannibal star told the BBC, "It's been the hardest thing I've ever done."

Izzard teared up as he tried to catch his breath and rehydrate but continued to speak to reporters from his seat, which just so happened to be under a statue of Mandela. "Thank you to everyone," he said. "Donate. This was tough, so don't do this at home. I don't know if I can say much more."

The English comic raised roughly $195 million for Sports Belief, Comic Relief's biennial charity event held in association with BBC Sport, a non-profit that brings together sports and entertainment to raise money to help vulnerable people in the United Kingdom and the poorest countries world-wide.


MORE: Pamela Anderson Runs NYC Marathon For Charity

This is actually the second time Izzard has attempted a 27-day marathon challenge. He started on one in 2012 but was forced to pull out out for health reasons. As for that challenge number, 27 represents the number of years Mandela spent in prison before becoming the first black president of South Africa.

Well done, Eddie! We think you deserve at least one lazy day off after this.

Related Gallery