COME WALK/RUN IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF MADIBA
February 7th, 2026 marks the 36th anniversary of Nelson Mandela’s historic release from Victor Verster Prison (now the Drakenstein Correctional Centre) and the walk to Freedom after 27 years of incarceration. To commemorate the event, the Drakenstein Correctional Services will host the 14th 27 for Freedom Race day at the Drakenstein Correctional Centre outside Paarl on the R301. For the serious runner, there is the scenic revised 27km run/walk (symbolic of the number of years spent in jail by the former president), or the 10km run/walk or the Freedom Route (5km). The day promises to be a family fun day of sports, history and entertainment. You will walk/run along the same route that was taken by Madiba as he left prison, from the Madiba House, Long Walk to Freedom, to the Madiba Statue at the entrance of the Correctional Facility. 2026 will be the 13th anniversary of the death of late President Nelson Mandela.

