RUN OR WALK IN MADIBAS FOOTSTEPS

Runners have a chance to follow in Madiba’s footsteps when they take part in the 27 for Freedom event, which takes place on Saturday 9 February at 06h30 from the Drakenstein Correctional Facility outside Paarl on the R301.

The date marks the 23^rd anniversary of Nelson Mandela’s historic release from Victor Verster Prison, now the Drakenstein Correctional Facility, and his walk to freedom after 27 years of incarceration.

To commemorate his release, the Drakenstein Correctional Services and the Drakenstein Municipality is hosting the fourth 27 for Freedom race and runners can take part in the 27km run/walk, the 10km run/walk or the Freedom Route 5km.

The day promises to offer a family fun day of sport, history and entertainment and participants will walk or run along the same route that Madiba took as he left prison, from the Madiba House, along the Long Walk to Freedom, to the Madiba statue at the entrance of the correctional facility.

The 27km route is scenic with some trail sections and offers participants a unique experience and to earn their Madiba medal at the finish.  The 27km starts at 06h30, 10km at 07h00, 5km at 09h00 and the 50m toddlers’ event at 10h00.

Participants can enter online at www.topevents.co.za up until midnight on Sunday 3 February.  Race number collection will take place on Friday 8 February from 10h00 to 17h00 at Sportsmans Warehouse in Rondebosch, Tygervalley and Somerset West or at Dal Josaphat Stadium in Paarl.  Entries will also be taken at these various points.  No number collection will take place on race day and no late entries will be taken except for the 5km fun run/walk and the 50m toddlers’ event.

For more information contact Top Events on 021-511 7130 or visit www.topevents.co.za