THE 27 for Freedom race this Saturday takes place on the same day as Nelson Mandela’s release from prison 22 years ago.

This race is becoming as iconic to Paarl as the Two Oceans is to Cape Town and the Comrades Marathon is to Kwazulu-Natal.

It is a lasting tribute to Nelson Mandela, his first steps to freedom and his contribution to reconciliation in South Africa

The date of the race is not the only association with the man who became South Africa’s first democratically elected president. The course will include Drakenstein Prison, where Mandela took his first steps to freedom on 11 February 1990.

The full race distance, 27 km, signifies the number of years which he was behind bars. Runners will also be able to catch a glimpse of the house in which he spent his last days as a prisoner in Paarl.

Last year more than 10 000 people took part. Indications are that the number of participants will continue to grow this year.

What makes the race different from other athletics events is the fact that it’s a family event, as well as an opportunity for serious runners looking to get some running practice. Categories range from the full distance of 27km, a 10 km race as well as a 5 km one (enter on the day).