Mandela Marathons

In February of 2016, Eddie embarked on an attempt to run 27 marathons in 27 days through South Africa, as a salute to Nelson Mandela who spent 27 years of his life in prison in his fight against Apartheid.

Throughout these marathons, Eddie visited communities, organisations and families that have all been helped by the work of Sport Relief.  

The route Eddie ran traced the story of Nelson Mandela’s life; starting from his birthplace of Mvezo, before journeying on through the Eastern Cape to the school and university that he attended, then on to Cape Town and Robben Island where he was imprisoned for 18 of his 27 years. 

Eddie had to run a double marathon on the 27th day (having spent day 5 in hospital) to complete the final marathon and arrive at the huge statue of Nelson Mandela at The Union Buildings in Pretoria - the place where in 1994, Nelson Mandela had become the first ever democratically elected President of South Africa. 

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.

Marathon Man: All 27 Days

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Week One Highlights

Week Two Highlights

Week Three Highlights

Week Four Highlights

Best Of Videos

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