Eddie Izzard completes South Africa marathon challenge

Eddie Izzard has completed his gruelling challenge to run 27 marathons in 27 days across South Africa.

The exhausted comedian finished on Sunday beneath a giant statue of Nelson Mandela in Johannesburg.

"It was the toughest thing I've ever done," he said.

"People say 'oh you must be addicted to running', [but] I'm addicted to stopping." he said. "I love stopping."

Mr Izzard undertook the challenge to raise money for Sport Relief, and to pay tribute to Mr Mandela - the 27 marathons representing the 27 years anti-apartheid hero spent in prison before becoming South Africa's first black president.

The marathons traced Mr Mandela's life story, from his birthplace in Mvezo, to Union Buildings in Pretoria where he gave his inaugural speech as president.

He ran more than 700 miles in temperatures up to 42C and has raised more than £1m for the charity appeal.

Mr Izzard attempted the same feat in 2012, but was forced to stop due to health issues after marathon number four.