Eddie Izzard plans Nelson Mandela tribute

In a tribute to the 27 years former South African President Nelson Mandela spent in prison for his fight against apartheid, the comedian and actor Eddie Izzard is to run 27 marathons in 27 consecutive days.

The British star announced his plan while attending a reception for donors at Mandela's foundation and archives in Johannesburg yesterday.

The routes, many of which he plans to run barefoot, take in sites around the country linked to Mandela's personal history. In 2009 Izzard ran 1,100 miles in seven weeks across Britain for charity. Mandela, 93, is now retired from public life. Concerns over his health have risen recently.