Thousands of runners will take part in the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon and its associated events over the coming weekend, resulting in significant road closures and disruptions for residents.
The main 42.2km marathon takes place on Sunday, 19 October. However, the action starts on Saturday with a series of trail runs and fun runs around the Atlantic Seaboard and Table Mountain.
This year’s Cape Town Marathon is significant as it undergoes a final evaluation to join the Abbott World Marathon Majors. This prestigious group includes races in New York, London, and Tokyo.
Having passed the first assessment in 2024, organisers must now meet a 104-point checklist. This measures everything from event logistics to runner experience.
One of the key focus areas for meeting the criteria is keeping the route completely clear of parked vehicles.
Saturday: Trail and Peace Runs
Roads around Green Point, Sea Point, Signal Hill, and Tafelberg Road will experience rolling closures and short delays from 6:00 to 16:00.
Key roads like High Level, Ocean View Drive, and Kloof Nek Road will see “stop-and-hold” traffic controls as runners pass.
Sections of Beach Road will be closed until 10h00, with no parking permitted.
Motorists heading to the Atlantic Seaboard or Table Mountain are advised to leave early and expect delays.
Sunday: Full Marathon Closures
Sunday’s marathon brings the most significant disruptions. Road closures will affect large parts of the Atlantic Seaboard, City Bowl, Woodstock, and Southern Suburbs from the early morning.
Green Point and Sea Point: Sections of Beach Road, Fritz Sonnenberg Road, Portswood Road, and surrounding streets will be closed between 4:00 and around 14:00. No parking will be allowed, and illegally parked vehicles will be towed.
City Centre: Expect full road closures along Helen Suzman Boulevard, Buitengracht Street, Adderley Street, Long Street, Orange Street, and Riebeek Street between 6:00 and 13:00.
Woodstock and Salt River: Parts of Albert Road, Victoria Road, and Main Road will be shut between 05:00 and midday.
Southern Suburbs: The route continues through Mowbray, Rondebosch, Newlands, and Claremont, with Main Road and Liesbeek Parkway closed inbound from 5:00 to about 10:30. Detours will be in place via alternative routes such as Belmont Road, St Andrews Road, and the M5.
The City of Cape Town advises motorists to avoid the Atlantic Seaboard, CBD, and Southern Suburbs in the morning and to use the N1, N2, and M5 as alternative routes.
Public transport and MyCiTi services in affected areas may also be rerouted or delayed.
Parking and Access to the Cape Town Marathon
No-parking zones will be enforced from Friday morning. Residents are urged to check signage and move their vehicles well in advance to avoid them being towed.
Participants and supporters are encouraged to use Park & Ride facilities, MyCiTi shuttles, and special train services over the weekend.
For a more detailed breakdown of road closures and times, click here.
