Nelson Mandela 27 for Freedom Run

Dust off those running shoes and walk in the footsteps of Mzansi’s beloved icon

Retrace the steps of our nation’s father’s journey to liberty in the 2017 Nelson Mandela 27 for Freedom Run on Saturday, 11 February 2017 (he was released 26 years ago from the former Victor Verster Prison on 11 February).

Now in its eighth year, the sporting event – it features both fun runs and more competitive legs – pays homage to the late former president Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela’s quest for dignity and justice for all by giving runners the chance to re-enact his final walk to freedom.

The primary route – it starts and finishes at the Victor Verster Prison (now the Drakenstein Correctional Facility) – is 27-km long (1-km for each year Madiba spent in prison), but runners and walkers can also choose to participate in shorter versions of the event: there are 5-km and 10-km races too. The route starts in front of the statue of Mandela, takes runners passed the Madiba House, and through adjacent wine farms before culminating at the sports arena near the entrance.

Since Mandela’s passing in 2013, this competition is now more than just a test of athletes’ endurance – it’s a salute to our country’s most loved icon as well as a testament to his long walk to freedom and his quest for justice.

ENTRY, REGISTRATION AND TIMES FOR THE 2017 NELSON MANDELA 27 FOR FREEDOM RUN

Closing date for online entries can still be submitted until midnight on Friday, 9 February 2017 and can be made via Topevents.co.za; do note that bank and card services fees for online entries apply.

The entry fee is non-refundable, and even if the event is cancelled, all fees will be donated to the run’s official charity.

Note that participants can still enter the 5-km and 50-m toddler run on the day of the race.

Keep in mind that all participants in the 27-km and 10-km runs will have to purchase a compulsory disposable timing chip (even if you already own a timing chip); runners who do not belong to a club must purchase a temporary licence.

Also, nominal fees are involved in any up- or downgrades. Registration and number collection will NOT take place on race day, but on Friday, 10 February from 10am to 5pm at the following locations:

• Sportsmans Warehouse Rondebosch
• Sportsmans Warehouse Somerset West
• Sportsmans Warehouse Tyger Valley

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Have a squiz at our guide to annual February events to find out about more hot happenings taking place during the month.

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