South Africa is going to observe ‘Walk to Freedom 2026’ on Saturday, February 07, 2026 in remembrance of Madiba’s history. The walk will begin from and conclude at Drakenstein Correctional Facility covering various distances such as 27 km, 10 km, and 5 km.
The officials and organisers have urged citizens to participate enthusiastically and step into the history and walk in the footsteps of Madiba. They are anticipating participation in thousands as they will mark 27 kms for Madiba’s 27 years in pursuit of freedom.
Residents are requested to choose their distance, honour the journey and become part of a powerful legacy. All the participants who will finish the walk will receive medals. They can also grab on lucky draw prizes.
Race with Confidence
South Africa is marking the 36th anniversary of Nelson Mandela’s historic release from Victor Verster Prison (now known as 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.
Further, for the serious runner, there is the scenic revised 27 km run/walk (symbolic of the number of years spent in jail by the former president), or the 10 km run/walk or the Freedom Route (5 km). The celebration day promises to be a family fun day of sports, history and entertainment.
The participants 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. Year 2026 will be the 13th Anniversary of the death of late President Nelson Mandela.
5 Days to Go! | 27 For Freedom Race
📍Drakenstein Correctional Centre
📆 07 February 2026#GovZAUpdates #27ForFreedomRace @DCS_ZA pic.twitter.com/063G3nBvvC— South African Government (@GovernmentZA) February 2, 2026
Nelson Mandela’s 27th Walk to Freedom
February 11 will mark the anniversary of former President Nelson Mandela’s historic release from Drakenstein Correctional Centre, previously known as the Victor Verster Prison, and his internationally acclaimed and revered, ‘walk to freedom’. To commemorate this historic event, 27 for freedom race was organized to recollect and honour the important steps that Nelson Mandela took to freedom.
It has become more than just a running event; it is a historic experience that everyone should participate in at least once in their lifetime. It’s a fun-filled family day which helps all to pause, reflect, celebrate and dedicate a moment to nation building across the sport, social, business and political landscape.
The race is a contribution to the safeguarding and promotion of the Nelson Mandela legacy and his historic, ‘rite of passage’ that his walk to freedom represents to current and future generations of South Africans.
🚶🏾♂️🇿🇦 WALK TO FREEDOM 2026 🇿🇦🚶🏽♀️
Step into history and walk in the footsteps of Madiba.
Join thousands as we mark 27 kilometres for Madiba’s 27 years in pursuit of freedom. Choose your distance, honour the journey, and be part of a powerful legacy.
🗓️ 7 February 2026
📍 Start &… pic.twitter.com/KTR5DOoyrU— South African Government (@GovernmentZA) January 31, 2026
Details of the Events
The event caters for the entire family, from toddlers to professional runners. It is a family day bringing together entertainment, history and sport, the key highlight being the scenic 27km – 1km for each year Madiba spent in prison.
The races are broken down into 6 separate events, namely – the main event, the 27 km race, the 10 km walk / run for all levels of fitness, the 10 km corporate event for teams of 10 people, the 5 km wheelchair friendly event, the Freedom Route fun walk and the 50m Toddlers dash. There is something for everyone.
The route starts in front of the iconic statue of Mandela, takes runners passed the Madiba House, and through adjacent beautiful wine farms before culminating at the sports arena near the entrance. The objective of the race is to bring communities together to celebrate this historical moment.
At this event Athletes and visitors can enjoy local performers, huge festivities and a carnival atmosphere. Event organizers have decided to up the ante on the fanfare and added food and novelty stalls, a kidz corner, and several on-the-spot prizes to be won. Young and old, fit and unfit, urban and rural, are called to join in the fun.