'I'll be back,' he vows

Eddie Izzard has been forced to call a halt to his multi-marathon effort in honour of Nelson Mandela.

He had planned to run 27 marathons in 27 days, the number of years the former South African President spent in prison.

But after four days, he said: ‘Unfortunately, I have had to put my attempt on hold due to unforeseen medical complications that have arisen’.

On Facebook, the 50-year-old comedian said it was down to ‘a multitude of factors including severe terrain, humidity and altitude’ in South Africa.

But he vowed: ‘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.

Izzard’s challenge was being filmed for a documentary to be broadcast on Sky this autumn, while money raised will go to the Nelson Mandela Foundation and other South African charities.

In 2009, he ran the equivalent of 43 marathons in 51 days across the UK, to raise money for Sport Relief.

Published: 24 May 2012