Eddie Izzard runs 27 marathons in 27 days

LONDON, March 20 (UPI) -- British actor and comedian Eddie Izzard has reached his goal to run 27 marathons in 27 days.

The 54-year-old entertainer began his Sport Relief charity fundraising challenge Feb. 23 in South Africa and completed his final feat -- a double marathon of 54 miles -- Sunday.

The journey, which saw Izzard running more than 700 miles in temperatures of up to 86 degrees Fahrenheit, was documented by the BBC.

"It's been the hardest thing I've ever done and I'm very tired," Izzard gasped after making it to the finish line. Thank you to everyone who has donated [to Sport Relief.] This was tough, so don't do this at home."

Last month, he explained in a statement that he was inspired to run 27 marathons in 27 days for Sport Relief after seeing the film Invictus.

"The film featured a poem called 'Invictus' -- one of Nelson Mandela's favorite poems during his 27 years in prison," Izzard noted. "He used it to give himself determination to keep himself going and keep his spirit alive. It's a beautiful poem about being the master of your own fate and destiny. Watching the film, I suddenly realized -- I have to run in South Africa. I should run 27 marathons in 27 days as a salute to the great man. It is also a salute to all who struggled and fought against Apartheid. So, I am delighted to be doing this for Sport Relief. But, of course, 27 marathons in 27 days is nothing compared to what Nelson Mandela did by serving 27 years in prison. He was a great soul and leaves a fantastic legacy for the world. PS... I tried to do this four years ago and failed. This time, I will succeed. But if I fail, I will come back again and again and again until I do succeed. Because that's what Nelson Mandela would have done."

If you missed this - you need to see it!@EddieIzzard - 27 marathons in 27 days.

WOW.https://t.co/lTYkCjysNP pic.twitter.com/RZOZIfHSkz

— BBC Get Inspired (@bbcgetinspired) March 20, 2016