Eddie Iz Running for Sport Relief

Eddie Iz Running for Sport Relief

30 Jul 2009

About 5 weeks ago, Sport Relief, the Sporty part of Comic Relief asked me (and probably a lot of other people) if I would like to do a sporting challenge.

I had always wanted to do a big physical running challenge, and this seemed a great way to do it and also raise money to help Africa and the poorest countries in the world as well as projects that Sport Relief fund in the UK  I was also going to be advised by Olympic experts who have worked with Sport Relief before. They would help me keep running in the right direction.

So I told them I wanted to try to run around the whole of the UK. London to Cardiff to Belfast to Edinburgh and back to London, running through as many parts of the UK that lie in between our 4 capitals.

They said great. You're nuts.

I said yes but that never hurt.

They said how far is this?

I said 1100 miles. I will try to run 30 miles a day for 6 days a week. It will probably take 7 weeks.

They said great. Is there anything else you want to mention.

Yes. I will run through England holding and English flag and then I'll run through Wales holding a Welsh flag and so on through all the UK.

But why not just have a Union Jack?

Because this is the thinking for my mission:

WE ARE DIFFERENT
WE ARE THE SAME
WE ARE UNITED KINGDOM
WE ARE AFRICA
WE ARE HUMANITY

They said - anything else?

Yes, I'm leaving in 5 weeks.

                   ***************

Ladies and Gentlemen - my 5 weeks training are up and I am off on a great adventure.

Please sponsor me on the Sport Relief Donation page and follow my journey on Twitter and tell everyone you've ever met to do the same.

And if you see me running, do let me know. That will help to keep me going.

Eddie Izzard


Comments

(showing 62 comments)

Sponsored you on Day 1. Have been posting your journey on my Facebook and encouraging folks to donate daily. So, my friends think I've gone completely round the bend..... Have also been Tweeting every celeb I have on my lists at Twitter to re-tweet the fact that you are doing this quite extraordinary charity feat (yes, and possibly a quite mad one as well, but you're right, it doesn't hurt!), along with the link to Sport Relief (got Dave McKean yesterday, and Wossy today!). Your fans are behind you 100% and doing everything we can to support you and build more support for you and the charity you support in this amazing endeavor. We admire and respect what you do, and why you do it. And we appreciate you taking us along on your journey. In the meantime, you focus on what you are doing, one day at a time, and take good care of yourself. We're all looking forward to seeing you on tour this winter!

31 Jul 2009 - 20:56 BST

Well done and said dear Mr. Izzard. Go Eddie Go!

31 Jul 2009 - 21:07 BST

What an incredible endeavor you've undertaken!! It will be an amazing journey and one can only imagine what you'll see and who you'll be meeting along the way! On behalf of those who aren't able to thank you personally, I thank you for them. Meanwhile, I'll be watching your blog and your tweets. Godspeed, Eddie!

31 Jul 2009 - 21:45 BST

Hello Eddie, I really want to thank you for being so brilliant and doing something amazing. My hero is doing something heroic! :) I'm hoping I can give you some extra encouragement as you've inspired me to do something big (ish) myself. Not quite on your scale admitedly but I'm doing a 100 mile bike ride along the South Downs Way. Really looking forward to it. I wish I could see you en route but I'm a Sussex girl... All the best though and I'll see you in Eastbourne in November. Amy x

31 Jul 2009 - 21:56 BST

Shine on you crazy diamond! Wish I could be there in person to cheer you on, but my aura is running right along side you! (HA that'll keep you moving, *wink wink*) Please take good care of yourself and pamper yourself on those days off. Thanks for sharing this journey with us! XO Cin

01 Aug 2009 - 04:20 BST

I'm a long way from the UK - 8 hours time difference - can't be there to applaud and wave a flag as you go by.....but I see you on Twitter, COD, EI threads and all over the web. The news is exponentially spreading and its exciting to follow the blogs and maps to see where you will turn up each day. We'll support you with donations and encouragement because it's a fantastic quest....but you must PROMISE to listen to your Olympic running experts and take their good advice.......staying healthy as you Run for Humanity. I hope you know your fans and everyone who care about your well being wish you success and good health indivisibly.

01 Aug 2009 - 07:06 BST

As everyone here has said, you have support from a lot of people all over the world. It is fantastic to follow your progress from the other side of the world. You have my admiration and my pledge of a donation for each week that you run. Please take care though.

01 Aug 2009 - 07:33 BST

consider yourself sponsered and will top up next week with a bit more... will also keep an eye on your replies on twitter because some people still dont know what you are doing and will try to tell them ....got one reply today from someone going to sponser you now they know where and why....the idea that a non running person is tackling this by sheer guts and determination is really ......without any soft soaping ......a lesson to us all.!! what you are doing is crazy ..amazing.. tough .. joint wrenching and totally wonderful....its a relief to know good people are looking after you who know the hazzards and are keeping you right...meanwhile for what its worth we will be here as well as twitter cheering you on ...and i would like to thank those who did this for setting it up....we are sending virtual energy to you on with every step and providing you are safe urging you to carry on..it goes without saying we are very PROUD of you indeed and you never fail to astonish us with your achievements! you have made other people able to remember their efforts in the war by direct help and support and helped us to remember with them.SO never doubt it,,,, we wont forget this .or you and if theres anything we can do just let us know.!! in the meanwhile stadium roars of approval lovely lady/man and keep on running you are a starxxxx huggggggggggggggggs;]

01 Aug 2009 - 17:16 BST

can i also say a big thank you to eddies support team ......they are on this journey with him and doubtless are lifting his spirits as and when they can .It must be daunting for them watching him put himself through this but knowing he is determined all the same......secretly cheering him but wishing he would take a rest as it were......to karon Maskill and all those who are working tirelessly im sure in the background three hearty cheers im sure eddie would like to sing your praises if he werent running so heres a little nod when a huge one would be better THANK YOU xxxx

01 Aug 2009 - 19:05 BST

WATCH my video, of Eddie, as he arrives in Bristol, SW England - after taking 5 day's by foot to get there! http://bit.ly/FlPzG Great work Eddie (: was a pleasure in meeting such a thoughtful, creative performer ! stay in touch

03 Aug 2009 - 11:47 BST

You never cease to amaze us Eddie. I'm skint but doing my bit spreading the word on twitter and started a group on facebook to support you truely amazing endeavour: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=124808643616 Run Eddie RUN!

04 Aug 2009 - 17:42 BST

I wish I was in your country to drive out and find you to cheer you on! Keep up the great work, you are an amazing inspiration. And I thought I couldn't love what you do any more -- surprise! You make it that much easier to adore you. GO!!

04 Aug 2009 - 19:35 BST

Hoping that you go through Herne Bay or Canterbury while I am there! That will make my Holiday Fantastic!!! Good Luck!!!! xx

08 Aug 2009 - 00:45 BST

What a hero. Jolly well done. But why such poor publicity? I just found out about this today, donated without delay. I live on Pot Lane nr. Basingstoke in Hampshire (where you tweeted that stuff went down many years ago) - you ran past my house and I was oblivious! Had I known, I would have made an encouraging banner, an encouraging flag, or similar. As it is, here's an encouraging message instead. Good luck you running machine, what an inspiration.

08 Aug 2009 - 04:25 BST

You began this great adventure on my 45th birthday and I'm just now finding out (Aug 8).

10 Aug 2009 - 00:08 BST

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JGY

Eddie, I am huge fan of you professionally and now of course, personally! Well done to you to take on such a massive endeavour for a wonderful cause. I completed a similiar venture to you this past July in Canada for Palliative Care. http://sunriserun.weebly.com All the best and stay well and keep running!! Jonathan Young PS ICE BATHS HELP!!

10 Aug 2009 - 18:42 BST

Have just seen you running through Liverpool, you're doing so well keep it going!

12 Aug 2009 - 13:35 BST

Hope you're enjoying the open countryside on the A59 heading towards Tarleton. The natives are more friendly than you might imagine up north although I'm guessing you're seeing more cabbages, cows and cauliflowers than people on this last stretch tonight. Thanks for the photo it's done my street cred no end of good!

12 Aug 2009 - 20:42 BST

Sending some love, and cash of course :) from the US. Très bien, mon brave!

13 Aug 2009 - 03:43 BST

We spotted you today Eddie running towards Carnforth on the A6. We were so starstruck we forgot to beep our horn! Best of luck to you - you are doing a grand job!

13 Aug 2009 - 21:33 BST

And while your at it, progressively fill each subnation with Jam! As many varieties of Jam as humanly possible... And then some. While a cat watches with a fixed quasi-bemused expression.

13 Aug 2009 - 22:02 BST

I went past Eddie this evening as he was making his way towards Garstang on the A6 in Lancashire, I said to my wife that bloke running looks like Eddie Izzard, Top marks for my observations lol lol lol I never knew till I got home........DOH!!!!

13 Aug 2009 - 23:48 BST

Yo, I'm so impressed and proud that you're doing this, Eddie. I wasn't into Twitter, but got caught up in your Running Adventures, and I have of course sponsored you. I hope lots and lots o' people are also sponsoring you. I have a facebook account, and I put out an announcement on there. I'll do it on myspace, too. :D

14 Aug 2009 - 00:11 BST

Saw and met you among the majestic fells of Cumbria as you ran down from Kirkstone Pass to Ullswater, today. Crikey - you are looking really good - especially for someone who RAN up Kirkstone Pass. Your poor kneesies! I got some good shots. And thanks for letting me have a piccie of me with you... that's one for the album that! See my pics here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/heandfi/sets/72157621921830029/

15 Aug 2009 - 19:30 BST

Don't suppose you'll be anywhere near Lanark next weekend (22-23 August)? You could rest and have a laugh at Scotland's Festival of History, or on Friday take part in a football match with Vikings & Medieval Knights - make a change from running up steep hills in Cumbria! And I promise no porridge, just stovies (Scottish comfort food) or haggis & neaps if you're feeling brave Saw your van in Carlisle today - great to have got this far - good luck in bonny Scotland

16 Aug 2009 - 01:04 BST

This is just.....just.....words fail me. the man is a legend. A hero. A nutter. There doesn't seem to be much publicity about this though. When Ian Botham did his walk ( which, sorry, doesn't seem as impressive compared to what our Eddie is doing) it was huge news. Down to us to spread the word then. - We can do that. All the best to Mr Izzard. See you in Cardiff in November.

17 Aug 2009 - 15:43 BST

We saw you running into Carlisle around 5pm today and gave you a toot, good luck with the rest of your run. Anyone who hasn't tried the Ice Cream yet what you waiting for !!!!

17 Aug 2009 - 19:03 BST

Hi, we heard you were running through Carlisle and came out on London Road to give you a wave and cheer! We were delighted when you crossed the road to come and shake our hands, have a chat and have your photo taken with us. You were absoloutley shattered but utterly lovely! We have all been on to sponsor you now and will be telling as many people as possible to do the same. Superb x x Thanks so much you made our day and you will be changing the lives of many in the future through your amazing challenge x x

17 Aug 2009 - 21:17 BST

Keep going Eddie :O)

17 Aug 2009 - 22:31 BST

Saw your van today in Carlisle, My mum saw you! Keep going, we're all behind you mate.

17 Aug 2009 - 23:14 BST

Hi Eddie! I just drove past you in my work van. You were swiftly approaching Gretna! Best of luck! ~Craig

18 Aug 2009 - 14:43 BST

Hi Eddie, it was great to see you on Saturday in Watermillock, (sheep pen) I dont know how far you have run exactly but you are looking strong my friend so keep up the good work. Uncle Edmund was very surprised to see you singing happy birthday as he strode up to the village hall and Im sure our Dan was non too happy you pinched his beer only to give it back as it was not cold enough for a post marathon pint. lol. Im just going to sponsor you now. I think you are doing a great thing and hope you raise loads of dosh. Heres me worrying about doing the 3 peaks next month

18 Aug 2009 - 19:40 BST

Eddie, you're always an inspiration, whether it is comedy or running! love, Wendy

19 Aug 2009 - 12:55 BST

Hey Eddie, Just met you today but giving my ape like appearance wasn't able to talk to you. You are not only a comedy genius but a testament to the good in humanity. You are doing a great job! keep up the fab work and wave Scotlands flag proudly! (and all the others flags too) I will sponsor you and tell everyone else to too! Bestest of Wishes! The Scottish Ferry Monkey : )

22 Aug 2009 - 16:29 BST

1100 miles! you are a hero. looking forward to your return to the US, hopefully to dear ol' louisville and the Brown theatre, again. all the best, margo's friend/the woman with the question about chaplin's blue eyes. PS: my sponsorship is forthcoming . . .

22 Aug 2009 - 17:18 BST

Eddie, you looked brillliant this morning as you set off for Newtownards. I have been a fan for so long and seen you perform live many times. I just can't believe you lived on our street as a child. I will encourage family and friends to donate as well as me. Thanks for the ice creams for the grandchildren. Your own ice cream van - that must be the height of cool.

23 Aug 2009 - 13:20 BST

WE ARE DIFFERENT WE ARE THE SAME Thanks for all. Waiting til you arrived in Northern Ireland to donate. Wish I could be at roadside to cheer you on. Thanks, muchly.

23 Aug 2009 - 16:29 BST

Sponsored! Well done on completing the run so far, it's a great thing you're doing and I hope you raise a ton of cash for a brilliant charity. If I see you when you come to Aberdenn on tour I will buy you a pint (or a powerade whichever is needed).

25 Aug 2009 - 11:24 BST

We were on holiday in Newton Stewart and saw you in the Bruce on the Thursday night then again heading to Stranraer on the Friday and gave you a toot. Absolutely Fantastic mate, shame about your team in the quiz. I would imagine there maybe more than 1 double helix occurence by the roadsides before you finish. Sponsorship page next.

25 Aug 2009 - 16:15 BST

When I first read about this yesterday my initial reaction was "Are you mad?!" And I think we all know there is a little truth in that!! However, since then I have been unable to stop thinking about your truly remarkable feat. It has pretty much blown my mind actually! In the words of one of the greatest humanitarians alive today and co-founder of the ONE campaign "WE'RE ONE, BUT WE'RE NOT THE SAME, WE GET TO CARRY EACH OTHER, CARRY EACH OTHER". Well blimey Mr Izzard, you are carrying an awful lot of people with what you are doing! You deserve a big medal and an even bigger hug! I congratulate you on all that you have achieved so far and wish you every success as you continue. I will be watching your progress closely and cheering you on and look forward to seeing you on tour in November - if you survive that long!! Eddie, you are a bright, shining star and we love you!

26 Aug 2009 - 13:15 BST

Run, Eddie, Run!!!!

27 Aug 2009 - 02:25 BST

Sunday 30th August on my way hom eto Lauder and and thought why is there an ice cream van on the road then spotted the Sport Relief vehicle and realised this was no ordinary ice cream van. Resisted temptation (listened to shy angel) to stop and gush about how amazing I think you are so using this as next best thing. Read all about your challenge which is just fantastic and full of generousity of spirit. I wish you the very best of luck and will donate through your site you mad, beautiful and bizarrely intriguing gent!

30 Aug 2009 - 21:59 BST

Sunday 30th August on my way hom eto Lauder and and thought why is there an ice cream van on the road then spotted the Sport Relief vehicle and realised this was no ordinary ice cream van. Resisted temptation (listened to shy angel) to stop and gush about how amazing I think you are so using this as next best thing. Read all about your challenge which is just fantastic and full of generousity of spirit. I wish you the very best of luck and will donate through your site you mad, beautiful and bizarrely intriguing gent!

30 Aug 2009 - 21:59 BST

Clearly still in shock I posted twice...

30 Aug 2009 - 22:01 BST

Hi Eddie, Drove past yourself and the lovely Denise in my fair city yesterday, not once but twice yesterday, felt quite guilty for not offering you both a lift!! You are doing brilliantly, and for such a good cause! given the size of Edinburgh I have no doubt you have to run around our ENTIRE city to get your 30 miles in. Keep up the good work!

31 Aug 2009 - 11:44 BST

Well done Eddie, passed you in the car on the Melrose side of Earlston. All on your own, no support in site.Didn't toot my horn as thought you might shit yourself as you were busy texting whilst holding the scottish flag between your teeth! Had no choice but to come home and sponsor you.XX

31 Aug 2009 - 22:14 BST

It was good to meet you this morning before you set off, and I apologise for keeping you those extra minutes and ruining all of your morning warm-up. Also, I hope Tedlock's head is better after cracking it off the trailer! Good luck for the rest of your journey!

05 Sep 2009 - 13:50 BST

We passed you at Great Smeaton today on your way to Northallerton and pulled our car in to give you a big cheer. You looked a mixtured of exhausted but still energised! You took time to shake hands with us and we were amazed at the awesome challenge you had set yourself all in the name of charity. Many people would never even contemplate putting their body and mind through such a demanding, intense journey. When I do my regular 'three mile' runs I will be thinking of you doing your regular 'thirty mile' runs and thinking what a strong person you must be, you have upmost respect. Most importantly I have sponsored you :) WELL DONE KEEP GOING!

06 Sep 2009 - 00:05 BST

My wife and I saw you running your socks off today Eddie, heading towards Thirsk, North Yorkshire!! What a fantastic effort for charity. Well done you!!

06 Sep 2009 - 16:27 BST

We saw you yesterday in a Hotel in Ripon where we had the fantastic opportunity of experience one of you lovely ice creams - thank you. After seeing the effort you have and are putting into this amazing challenge you deserve our donation. Well done, keep up the good work and enjoy. Love Dave and Martine xx

06 Sep 2009 - 19:22 BST

I was driving toward Ripon this afternoon when I saw a bloke running toward me with a flag in his hand, and of course I had to do a double take when I realised who it was. Good luck in the rest of the run, you're doing a great job! Needless to say there is a donation on the way.

06 Sep 2009 - 20:25 BST

I saw you but didn't know it was you at the time! Just outside of Thirsk, North Yorkshire! Good luck! Sounds like a great challenge! xx

06 Sep 2009 - 21:14 BST

Hey Eddie - Saw you running through Stourton in Leeds as I was leaving work - couldn't believe my eyes! Went home and fetched my daughter and came back to check! you were in the car park of the Rose & Crown between Leeds and Wakefield and I tooted and waved!! Good luck and I hope you make loads of money!!

08 Sep 2009 - 00:48 BST

What an amazing endeavor!!! I can't stop telling everyone in Las Vegas what Eddie Izzard is doing for Sport Relief! Just beyond belief!!!! Eddie, you are such an inspiration!!!

08 Sep 2009 - 12:06 BST

Awesome! Saw you running along the Thames near Putney with your flag a few weeks ago - wondered what you were up to!!!

10 Sep 2009 - 21:29 BST

No great deal. I've got a cat called Eddie and he runs too. Ok, so it's just across the garden and up the fence but he is 13 so in cat years he's way older than you !. Anyway, I'd still like to congratulate you on your success, it has been amazing and an inspiration. Hope you have managed to raise loads of money - and awareness. Right - put on some fluffy slippers and chill. xx

16 Sep 2009 - 08:49 BST

Hi Eddie I saw you on 3rd September on your travels in the tiny village of Otterburn, Northumberland (A696). I passed you as you were going by the church with the English flag in your hand - I had to do a 'double take', as we don't get many strangers in this remove village. Well done in your efforts to raise money. I will make a donation. Pat H

16 Sep 2009 - 11:58 BST

Wow, loved you first for the comedy, love you now for being such a good human being, to give of yourself instead of just stroking a check is a tremendous act of selflessness! You must feel wonderful! Good job!

16 Sep 2009 - 16:30 BST

Well Done Eddie, Absolute Legend. I am training for the Loch Ness Marathon in a few weeks then onto the Sahara Marathon in April next year and I thought what I was doing was tough. If I needed any inspiration to not get baked in the desert then you are it!!!!!

17 Sep 2009 - 11:32 BST

Well done. This is an inspirational achievement, and its good to be able to recieve 'good' news amongst all the negative stuff about 'celebs' and youngsters. Really, really well done. Lee

17 Sep 2009 - 12:18 BST

Next week I'll be running a mere 13.1 miles in London starting at the 02 arena. It's only 13.1 miles, but needless to say it worries me. How on earth you have managed such a feat I have absolutely no idea. Mr Izzard you may very well be a god. One is in awe.

19 Sep 2009 - 15:16 BST

Hi Eddie, I swear I saw you running on 7th Avenue near Central Park last weekend, without any shoes on. Was I hallucinating from jet-lag, or was it really you, and if the latter, was it part of some hitherto unpublicised running extravaganza, or just a gentle gambol along the concrete to keep up your fitness?

21 Oct 2009 - 19:54 BST