Share with:
Eddie has reached the mental milestone of marathon number ten of his incredible challenge
Actor’s challenge has already raised £202,431 for Sport Relief
Follow Eddie’s epic journey every day on BBC Three: bbc.co.uk/bbcthree(opens in new window)
Eddie Izzard has today (Friday 4th March) reached marathon number ten in his gruelling Sport Relief challenge – a staggering attempt to complete 27 marathons in 27 days across South Africa. Eddie believes that the only way to train the body and mind for 27 marathons is to do ten marathons - so today is a huge mental milestone for him.
Having battled through dehydration, heat exhaustion and sunstroke to reach this point, Eddie will be running from Mortimer to Cradock through the beautiful South African scenery. To cope with the temperatures that can reach over 40 degrees, the actor has been taking a break between the peak South African heat of 11.30am and 3.30pm and has a hydration strategy in place whilst he’s running.
This follows Eddie’s doctor’s advice to take a rest day on Saturday 27th February and to cut short his marathon the next day in order to determine the levels of his heat exhaustion and dehydration via blood tests in hospital.
Eddie has already raised over £202,431 for Sport Relief in the first eleven days of his epic marathon attempts; spurred on by the generous support of the Great British public, a £27,000 donation from Bill and Melinda Gates, a £10,000 donation from his beloved Crystal Palace Football Club and a further £10,000 donation from French media company Vivendi, who support Eddie’s stand-up work.
Global entrepreneurs and philanthropists, Bill and Melinda – who are big fans of Eddie’s – have made the £27,000 donation, to represent £1,000 for each of the 27 marathons that Eddie is aiming to run and builds on the long-standing support from the Gates Foundation to Sport Relief.
Eddie is a huge fan of Crystal Palace FC and has donned their strip during his epic challenge.
Eddie said, “Thank you very much for donating to this quest that I’m on – I’m running in 40 degree heat and it’s tough. This is the toughest thing I’ve ever done but determination is key, and I’m determined to finish this time.
“Thank you for all the support, please keep doing what you’re doing and I’ll keep doing what I’m doing!”
Eddie’s challenge will see him attempt to run over 700 miles in scorching temperatures. His route will trace the story of Nelson Mandela’s life. He started his challenge on 23rd February in Mandela’s birth town of Mvezo and plans to finish in Pretoria, where Mandela gave his first speech as President, on Sunday 20th March, at the same time that the Sport Relief Games will be taking place across the UK.
Eddie’s progress on this mammoth challenge is being covered every step of the way by new online BBC Three, including:
A personal diary and up to the minute reports on his challenge on bbc.co.uk/bbcthree
Live updates via BBC Three’s social channels
Virtual map of Eddie’s progress
Eddie has chosen 27 marathons to reflect the 27 years that Nelson Mandela spent in prison. Throughout his journey he will explore the history of South Africa and Nelson Mandela as well as visiting communities, organisations and families that have all been helped by the work of Comic Relief.
Eddie needs the public’s support to keep him going as he takes on this challenge. Sponsor him at sportrelief.com/SponsorEddie
Inspired by Eddie? Walk, run, swim or cycle yourself proud at the Sainsbury’s Sport Relief Games from Friday 18th to Sunday 20th March. There are thousands of events across the UK with flagship Games in Belfast, Cardiff, Glasgow, Sheffield, Norwich and London. Find your nearest event at sportrelief.com and sign up now!
The money raised for Sport Relief from the Eddie Izzard: Marathon Man challenge will be used to help transform the lives of some of the most disadvantaged people both at home in the UK and across the world’s poorest communities.
ENDS
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT
Red Nose Day Media Team:020 7820 2500media@comicrelief.com(opens in new window)Press area07984510473 (out of hours only)
About Comic Relief
Comic Relief is a UK charity which aim to create a just world, free from poverty – where everyone is safe, healthy, educated and empowered. Since 1985, Comic Relief has raised over £1 billion. That money has helped, and is helping, people living incredible tough lives, both here at home in the UK and across the world.
For information about Comic Relief and the work it carries out, please visit comicrelief.com.
Comic Relief, registered charity 326568 (England/Wales); SC039730 (Scotland).
For the latest news, statements and exclusive content direct from the Comic Relief Press Office follow @ComicReliefNews(opens in new window).
