'Eddie Izzard's Mandela Marathons'

'Eddie Izzard's Mandela Marathons'

22 May 2013

UPDATE - 22th May 2013

Mandela Marathons

Sky 1 & Sky 1 HD

Episode 1 - 9pm, Thursday 23rd May

Episode 2 - 9pm, Thursday 30th May

DONATE

UPDATE - 24th May 2012

I set out to run 27 marathons in 27 days as a tribute to Nelson Mandela and his 27 years spent in prison.

Having completed 4 marathons, unfortunately, I have had to put my attempt on hold due to unforeseen medical complications that have arisen due to a multitude of factors including severe terrain, humidity and altitude. But I wish to say that my attempt is not over and I will return to South Africa and run the 27 marathons and finish this story.

I owe that to Nelson Mandela who has inspired the world to struggle and succeed no matter what obstacles are thrown at us. - Eddie Izzard

Eddie is embarking on another marathon challenge – this time in South Africa. Comic Relief have kindly agreed to administer a Fund for Eddie (wittily entitled The Eddie Izzard South Africa Fund) whose aim will be to support organisations working to help disadvantaged people across South Africa. Every penny raised from the public will go to help projects that Eddie supports with his Fund. The television exposure, later in the year will show highlights from this challenge and will act as a backdrop to the fascinating story of Nelson Mandela's life. This from Eddie:

"Starting on Tuesday 15th May 2012, I will attempt to run 27 marathons in 27 days, as a small tribute to Nelson Mandela and 27 years he spent in prison.

The marathons will be run all over South Africa in areas that resonate with his life including: Mvezo, Qunu, Fort Hare, Johannesburg, Soweto, Pretoria, Rivonia, Cape Town and Robben Island where he was imprisoned for 18 of the 27 years.

As the marathons are run, we will be filming a documentary about Nelson Mandela's life and I will be talking to people who know him and who struggled with him over those 27 years. This documentary will be broadcast on Sky TV in the UK and is being sold to countries all around the world" - Eddie Izzard

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Comments

(showing 84 comments)

wish you good luck. take care. and have a look at 'madame and eve' when you get the opportunity.

15 May 2012 - 12:16 BST

relax and groove........ best wishes

15 May 2012 - 13:08 BST

I wish those outside the UK could donate! God speed on this amazing challenge - next time you're in Buffalo/Toronto, I'll give ya twenty bucks for it.

15 May 2012 - 14:26 BST

Utter madness, but would expect nothing less!! Good Luck, and hope you raise bucket loads :)

15 May 2012 - 14:26 BST

I know you will do an amazing job as usual. I doubt you'll be interviewing Mandela's ex wife of 35 years, who he was quite cold, cruel and callous to. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/inatl/longterm/s_africa/stories/divorce0396.htm

15 May 2012 - 14:33 BST

Good luck Eddie and may the force be with you!

15 May 2012 - 14:51 BST

Grew up in CT waking every day looking out ar Robben Island. You are a legend for doing such an inspirational thing.

15 May 2012 - 15:04 BST

You are a star Eddie, in more ways than one. Keep shining brightly x

15 May 2012 - 15:24 BST

Good luck pal, doing extremely well!!! #yeahhhbuddy

15 May 2012 - 15:35 BST

You can donate even if you don't live in the UK. Just choose Manual Entry when you fill in your address.

15 May 2012 - 15:46 BST

You are an ANIMAL!! Beautiful work you're doing, Sir. Cheers!

15 May 2012 - 15:56 BST

Good luck and be careful! Remember to drink a lot (water, that is :)

15 May 2012 - 15:59 BST

What a suitably gritty tribute to those who protested against apartheid. We would love to offer you some of our Hot Ginger Muscle Rub and Cool Peppermint Muscle Spritz to help keep you going on your challenge. Please email me and we'll send you a case of each. Good luck with your preparations. Louise (Founder, Natural Hero)

15 May 2012 - 16:01 BST

Good luck Eddie.....will you be RUNNING in any outrageous outfits near the end? x

15 May 2012 - 16:44 BST

i wish you every luck in the world eddie

15 May 2012 - 17:03 BST

Go Eddie!!!! I am sooo looking forward to seeing the doc!

15 May 2012 - 17:42 BST

yep

yep

I'm a Brit cameraman living in Cape Town - please come back and do some stand-up once you're done with the run! It's a great city. You'll absolutey love running here, the landscape in particular is unbelievable. Best wishes, and top man for all your charity work! AF

15 May 2012 - 18:01 BST

Your tribute must be one of the most understated 'small tributes' of my life time and how you're running whilst clasping that flag is beyond a guy that struggled round a 10k at the weekend. I look forward to your updates and in return will sponsor you as much as I can. Fantastic effort and good luck

15 May 2012 - 19:51 BST

How inspirational you are, Mr. Izzard! Making the world a better place one step at a time. Cheers!

15 May 2012 - 21:24 BST

Good Luck Eddie....youre a star in every sense of the word :)

15 May 2012 - 21:34 BST

Congratulations on finishing your first of 27 marathons. I am inspired by what you are doing and in awe of the beautiful person you are- always have been. Best of luck on the rest of your runs! Meditate and breathe- you'll fly through them!

15 May 2012 - 21:44 BST

....good luck....! wish i was there to run at least one Marathon with you...! ...You are an inspiration to a generation that stopped 'running' and to settle on their couches.....! After 30 years... I am running again..!? thanks...!! :-)

15 May 2012 - 21:45 BST

Best of luck! Have a great run :) Here's hoping it will be aired in Norway. See you in April!

15 May 2012 - 21:50 BST

what a 'truly inspirational' man you are.... complete respect and wish you all the will in the world & good luck :0)

15 May 2012 - 21:51 BST

Well done and keep up the good work.

15 May 2012 - 22:20 BST

lots of luck to you Eddie on your epic challenge. you are such an amazing human being. i salute you. take care and be safe.

15 May 2012 - 22:29 BST

Good luck Eddie. It's a long way from the Leather Bottle and the Bedford pubs in South London to South Africa. But it's fantastic that you're undertaking such a challenge. Hopefully see you touring over here sometime. And maybe I'll see you on one of your runs. Maybe Port Elizabeth? Lee.

15 May 2012 - 22:52 BST

I followed you around England ..almost literally as I was taken on a tour and found we were just behind you. This time it must be by Internet. Very well done Eddie, I am cheering from Devon. xx

15 May 2012 - 23:13 BST

water, sunscreen, hat, flag, tunes...plus good wishes from all your fans should make for a successful journey. I just figured out the 27 on your shirt. Thought u were running in a bunch...doh!!! ♥♥

15 May 2012 - 23:37 BST

Well done for completeting No.1, a truely inspiring mission once again. Keep up the the good work, don't forget carbs and fluids!! Good luck tomorrow x

16 May 2012 - 00:01 BST

I hereby knight you, Edward, prince of hardcore consecutive marathons, Hero of Bryan Smith. Long live Nelson!.. and Edward! Say howzit to Plett if you chuck past there.

16 May 2012 - 00:32 BST

congratulations! forward, forward, forward on! cheers!

16 May 2012 - 00:45 BST

whoo hoo very proud of you for sure bella .I ran in late as you had started but will now follow for sure .Keep safe and strong and what a tribute . will be donating but cheering you on all the wayx

16 May 2012 - 02:58 BST

p.s keep the piccies coming when you can they are brilliant and really give an insight into what is happening round you !xxx

16 May 2012 - 03:00 BST

Well done Eddie!!!! I met yoiu in England, came to see you in St. Louis when I lived in the USA, and I am now living in Joburg. I think that what you are doing is amazing and I am really hoping that I get to see you as you run through Johannesburg. Sending you tons of support from a fellow Brit!!

16 May 2012 - 07:22 BST

I understand that people can run more if they have an adnormal amount of red blood cells - all i know is that I run one marathon and it was killer - Good luck Eddie

16 May 2012 - 08:32 BST

Absolutely amazing to even attempt such a challenge!! I admire the mental and physical strength it must take and for a fantastic cause!! Eddie Izzard = Legend

16 May 2012 - 08:42 BST

Very impressed and very excited to follow your progress. Hope the feet are holding up. Elisabeth xx

16 May 2012 - 10:45 BST

Eddie, you are my son's idol.He is 9 & he knows your "Live in Madison Square Garden" bit, word for word.Thank you for being such a great role model.Can't wait for you to come to Cape Town!Good Luck!! Elzahn & Anthony

16 May 2012 - 11:30 BST

All the best on your journey. Loving the photos you've put on twitter recently - keep us posted xxx

16 May 2012 - 12:48 BST

i won't complain that anything in my life takes too much effort or energy for the next 26 days. i agree with you that struggle is much more important than achievement. i chose you to teach me some things in the recent and coming couple of weeks. already learned something about lightness.now its about willpower. thanks.

16 May 2012 - 14:14 BST

You are just amazing! We could all take a page from your book! Luv ya

16 May 2012 - 16:36 BST

Eddie, I first saw you at Edinburgh Fringe about 20-years ago - there was a lady at the back of the audience who sounded like a seagull - it was an opportunity you couldn't miss, and I've followed your career since. You're an absolute star, with tireless energy, and you get my vote, and money, whatever you do - best of luck, and keep the ice-baths flowing!

16 May 2012 - 19:16 BST

INSPIRATIONAL MADNESS! That is why I admire what you do! South Africa is such an amazing place. Seeing where Nelson Mandela spent his time on Roben Island will inspire you to keep running. Words cannot express what a truly remarkable and inspirational man he is. Good luck and safe journey.x

16 May 2012 - 22:26 BST

Cy

Cy

As time goes by, it appears your life's path has been one of exceptional and determined endurances, a melange of sorts. This is admirable. Thank you for your participation in life and your example. Enjoy each moment, one at a time. I have donated in hopes that every little bit helps. Bonne chance et un voyage.

17 May 2012 - 04:17 BST

good luck eddie you did great last time youll be amazing this time cant wait to see the programme xxxxx

17 May 2012 - 19:52 BST

Such (an) incredible feet! Hope you enjoy all Africa has to offer. To celebrate his endeavours, I can like to make a silly poem for each marathon. @kaybelle8

18 May 2012 - 08:55 BST

"Do you have a flag?????" looks like you do...I guess you're a country :)

18 May 2012 - 09:40 BST

Good luck;stay safe.

18 May 2012 - 16:06 BST

Me and my best mate have loved you since we were 16. We're both 30 this year and we're proud to say that not only are you fucking hilarious in a way many of our friends just don't get, but you are a brilliant human being!! Major love coming your way for doing this great thing!!

18 May 2012 - 17:14 BST

Hello Eddie, I just would like to say in most sincerity without sounding pretentious that, I personally feel what you're doing is very kind & charitable. Think about the good work you're doing & how you're positively affecting people while assisting those in need. I hope you enjoy your journey & keep posting those terrific photos! Cheers! Sincerely your friend, Elizabeth (aka: spooky84)

18 May 2012 - 18:47 BST

This member has not uploaded an avatar yet

AJY

Eddie - you are fab! I will be thinking of you when I am doing the Edinburgh marathon on 27 May. If that does not stop me feeling sorry for meself then nothing will! Good on ya.

18 May 2012 - 22:39 BST

What you are doing is inspirational! Good luck and take care of yourself.

19 May 2012 - 00:59 BST

Go well Eddie, hope the barefoot thing works out for you!!

19 May 2012 - 12:48 BST

Good Luck Eddie!! True inspiration!!

20 May 2012 - 12:33 BST

mad mad wonderful man try to stay upright where possible from sad wet lancashire but a smiling kathy lots of luck xxx

21 May 2012 - 01:40 BST

thats the foto i like most! mainly because its the first that comes after the long silence. glad you are still alive. dont forget to be nice to you and your body.i do remember you saying you liked to have brakes. hope you do as well. send you a lot of energy and its a beautiful picture... we are with you in mind and heart.

21 May 2012 - 18:06 BST

Good Luck Gorgeous!!! Come back to us in one piece!! Love, Love, Love!!!

21 May 2012 - 21:48 BST

I love your spirit and wish it would rub off on everyone we share this planet with. Bravo, Eddie.

22 May 2012 - 08:51 BST

Incredible - you are an inspiration (or a very bad example to follow, i'm not yet sure)- so much so that with your previous marathon feat in mind we have planned our own 5000 mile run across South America - raising money/awareness for wild places. Fancy being our patron? Kath wants to ask David Attenbrough but i think you'd be much better place to know what its all about!! seriously?

22 May 2012 - 18:08 BST

Wish you all the best in the world !!! *

22 May 2012 - 20:07 BST

All the best on this Eddie. Again your leadership astounds me. My colleague, who teaches strategic leadership, has just tested your statement 'you have to believe you can do standup to do standup, etc....you have to believe' as a statement for strategic leaders. I believe that you have made a difference and you continue to do so.

23 May 2012 - 23:03 BST

Take good care of yourself. We need you safe and sound. Yesterday i listened to what you said about kids not having learnt humiliation in the Google interview and i am still impressed. (go + see it everbody:)) I respect you deeply for what you are and for your positive attitude towards human beings.(That is a really great achievement) It is not important to finish more marathons in the whole view.(although i think i understand what you are doing) You are already appointed "King of the Road" and you are knighted. We all agree with that. Nobody will be disappointed if not you (and please don't :)) I just hope you enjoyed the landscape so far. Keep on being what you are and standing by yourself, which is the biggest inspiration you give. Thank you Eddie. Be well

24 May 2012 - 11:59 BST

Hey Eddie, if you hadnt had to pull out, I wouldnt have seen this on the BBC website. Get yourself better and get back to it. You should then have even more followers and more money, so every cloud ... Best of luck, fantastic effort !

24 May 2012 - 14:11 BST

I was amazed by your dedication and achievements in your previous marathons, hope you get better and manage to complete this new challenge. You're an amazing comedian, inspiration and person, good luck

24 May 2012 - 14:43 BST

I hope you recover soon. Is there any way for those of us in the area to see your route and come out and support!?!

24 May 2012 - 15:05 BST

So sorry that you were not able to finish all the marathons - amazing that you finished what you did as the differences in climate and terrain in SA from area to area are a killer! Glad you were here and am sorry I missed your show, but hopefully see you in the new one next year. Get well and healthy again, so that you can do your magic again!

24 May 2012 - 16:24 BST

see all the comments here say it all ...be half full glass person and realise what you have achieved here, over a hundred miles in four days in terrain altitude and humidity different to your own which even seasoned athletes find difficult to cope with. your health is not something you can mess with and we certainly wouldnt want you to so no apologies just thank goodness you are getting sorted and tomorrow is another day you stubborn thing you ...no wonder we love you bella x

25 May 2012 - 05:07 BST

This member has not uploaded an avatar yet

A3

Eddie you are an inspiration and your recognition and gratification for our (South Africa) freedom was like a nail to the head for me... you have fueled my dream. I wish you all the best! Maybe i'll see you running through joburg sometime - don't forget to stop for a braai and beer sometime ;) Love xx

25 May 2012 - 11:43 BST

Dear Eddie, sorry with the late comment, but I'm so sorry for your disappointment, but please no apologies to us. You give so much with your heart and soul and unprecedented drive....they all were saying yes, while the body is saying "too much"....I'm inspired with the concept alone of running 27 marathons, I'm moved to the core in the tribute to a very special man, Mr. Mandela. I'm relieved that you have the wisdom to stop when today just isn't the day for it....and I love your courage in doing so though I know it's equally as hard for you as the running. You may be disappointed in yourself, but you inspire me daily just by being you.....don't ever doubt that all of your efforts are noted, large and small....they mean alot.....tomorrow's a new day and the sun shines on you.

26 May 2012 - 05:25 BST

I made a donation to the Eddie Izzard South Africa Fund on Monday 21 May in honor of you....because you actually care about people and life.

27 May 2012 - 01:16 BST

Dood if you're reading this, you gotta look into doint the comrades marathon: http://www.comrades.com/ its happening next week and you may still technically be able to get the 27 in 27 done :-) Plus i know someone else who is doing it and could more than likely get you round it.

27 May 2012 - 21:40 BST

Moo !! We cant wait to see you back here Sir. We love this country and share your amazing support

06 Jun 2012 - 16:07 BST

Hi Eddie, there is a Nelson Mandela day Marathon which will be held on 26 August 2012 in South Africa Kwazulu Natal which starts from the hall where Madiba made his last speech and ends at the capture site, as you know this year 5 August marks 50 years since his capture. The race has been title "Unbroken Human spirit". Good luck. for more info about the race please visit www.mandelamarathon.co.za or email info@mandelamarathon.co.za

26 Jun 2012 - 07:21 BST

Another amazing journey from Mr Izzard. You have been such an inspiration. When I watched Marathon Man I found myself becoming interested in running for the first time in my life. It's taken a couple of years, but I have now finally started on my running journey. Keep us posted about South Africa. Hopefully when you start again I will be ready to run alongside you (in spirit), if only 2.7 miles per day.

11 Jul 2012 - 10:13 BST

I do hope that this is not taken the wrong way, or negatively, by Eddie or especially his other fans. But, to Eddie: I think that you are so wonderful, and your passion and idealism are very admirable; however, running 27 marathons in 27 days is beyond horribly damaging to your body. No one should do that to themselves. If you can even live through it, it will take years off your life! (And probably add considerable ailments that will be present and increase as you age.) Please don't do that to yourself. Please find a way to honor the great Nelson Mandela that doesn't irreparably damage you and shorten your great life. I doubt that this is something he would want. (Of course I am not privy to Nelson Mandela's private thoughts or opinions, but I can't see him wishing others to suffer.) But regardless of your choices regarding this, I wish you all the best, great health, and continued great success.

26 Aug 2012 - 22:26 BST

My 14 yr old cousin (who is also a huge fan) said the other day, "When you are walking down that dusty road, every so often, dust your feet off then carry on." Good luck!

29 Sep 2012 - 20:30 BST

Eddie- Why don't you come over and run the Comrades marathon next year, you can knock off 2 marathons on the same day that way!

08 Nov 2012 - 20:06 GMT

Howzit!? Just thought if anyone might be interested, there's a wonderful piece of photography done by a young lady in Cape Town on scenes of Robben Island not usually showcased to the general public: http://verityfitzgerald.com/portfolio/robben-island/ Looking forward to seeing you down here in June!!!!

15 Dec 2012 - 09:41 GMT

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19 Mar 2013 - 13:35 GMT

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19 Mar 2013 - 13:36 GMT

It's totally insane but I would expect nothing less from you!! Its a fantastic tribute to Nelson Mandela & for a great cause. Good luck Eddie with your 2nd attempt. Keep up the training! Cant wait to watch the programme :-)

22 May 2013 - 18:43 BST