Paarl Post - Thousands in Freedom Race

READY FOR FREEDOM RUN. Young and old are ready for this year’s Freedom Races at Drakenstein Correctional Services on the R301 route between Paarl and Franschhoek. From left are Ntando Fitshane, Marco Esau, Welile Matanzima, Isaac Opperman, Zibo Penxa, Stella Smal, Kenneth Hock, Zalusile Sogiba, Ethan James and Mathieu Hammers.Pic: Sieb Sieberhagen

MORE than 3 000 entries have been received for the 27 km, 10 km and 5 km events that kick off at 06:30, 07:00 and 09:00 respectively, on Saturday 11 February, for the 27 for Freedom Race.

It is the 22nd anniversary of Nelson Mandela’s historic walk to freedom from that very spot in front of the Drakenstein Correctional Facility on the R301 between Paarl and Franschhoek.

All participants who successsfully entered before last Sunday’s deadline may collect their race numbers at the Boland Park Stadium (cricket) on Langenhoven Avenue in Paarl East, today (11:00 to 20:00) and tomorrowbetween 11:00 to 17:00.

All successful entrants will be notified by SMS or e-mail of their registration as well as their allocated race numbers. Their website will confirm that you are registered.

The organisers said the physical administrative process is now closed. No late paper, fax or email entries will be accommodated nor will any cash or deposit payments be accommodated at any point.

The only exception is for those who wish to enter for the 5 km Freedom Route. They may enter up and until the morning of the race. They can also enter today and tomorrow at the Boland Park Stadium.

To accommodate special circumstances and late entries for the 10 km and 27 km, prospective participants can only enter and pay online on www.nm27forfreedomrace.co. za between 08:00 and 12:00 today.

“There is no other option available. Check the website to confirm that you are registered.

These participants may only collect their numbers from Friday 18:00 or on the race day at the Main Hall at the Drakenstein Correctional Facility,” Harlan Cloete, one of the organisers, said.

Traffic will be free flowing on the R301 road on the morning and vehicles will be able to access the prison grounds until 06:00.

Thereafter participants will be directed to park at an adjacent farm. Participants and spectators are advised to arrive early on the race day.

Follow the direction of the traffic officials and parking marshals.

For enquiries, please contact the numbers 021 872 9799 or 021 871 1286.