Walk Or Run In The Footsteps Of Nelson Mandela

You can choose between a 27km, 10km, or 5km fun run

Commemorate the freedom of one of the world's most iconic public figures at the Drakenstein Correctional Centre's annual running competition (there's a fun run, too), happening on 8 February 2020 in Paarl.

30 YEARS SINCE THE LONG WALK TO FREEDOM

This year marks the 30th anniversary of Nelson Mandela's release from Victor Verster Prison on 8 February after 27 years of incarceration. In honour of that, Top Events SA is hosting its 12th annual 27 For Freedom Race Day, where runners can participate in a 27km route that starts and ends at the Drakenstein Correctional Centre. Fill in the registration form to sign up.

If you want to participate in the festivities, but can't picture yourself running 27km in four hours, there are 10km and 5km options that also start and end at the prison.

FOLLOWING IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF A HERO

All running routes take the same path that Madiba did as he left prison, starting at Madiba House, along the Long Walk to Freedom and back to the statue of Nelson Mandela in front of Drakenstein Correctional Centre. Wheelchair-bound athletes are encouraged to participate but are advised to notify organisers timeously.

BUYING TICKETS

Entry fees differ for each distance. For South African citizens with a running licence, entrance is R173,30 for the 27km, R116,30 for the 10km and R45,60 for the 5km (although no licence is required this distance).

If you're unlicensed, you can buy a temporary licence while registering for R45,60 while international runners pay R900 for the 27km and R700 for the 10km, with no licence required.

You can also buy T-shirts (R268), commemorative anniversary caps (R148,20) and make charitable donations to the correctional centre.

Please note: the closing date for entries is 26 January 2020.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

The 27km starts at 6:30am, with the 10km and 5km to begin at 7am and 9am respectively. All distances have a cut-off time to be implemented at  10:30am.

You can enter via fax, in-store or online. When collecting your race number, remember to bring proof of entry, either in email or SMS format. Race numbers can be collected on Friday, 7 February between 10am and 5pm from the following stores: Sportsmans Warehouse Rondebosch, Sportsmans Warehouse Tygervalley, Sportsmans Warehouse Stellenbosch and DCS Paarl.

Please note: the 27km and 10km runs are open to all licences and non-licensed runners over 14 years old (for the 10km) and 20 years old (for the 27km).

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Don’t let your run get boring. Check out these running routes.

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New to the city and want to make some friends? Why not join a sports club?

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