The City of Cape Town is set to implement several road closures and parking restrictions in preparation for the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon, scheduled to take place this Sunday, 19 October 2025.
The marathon, which begins at 06:00 SAST from Beach Road in Green Point, is South Africa’s only candidate for inclusion in the Abbott World Marathon Majors, a global series of six of the world’s largest and most renowned marathons.
According to Smile FM, this year’s race is part of the final-stage evaluation process for the Cape Town Marathon’s bid to join the prestigious group in 2026.
The assessment will focus on operational performance, participant safety, and the overall race experience. Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, JP Smith, said the City has worked closely with marathon organisers to ensure all logistics are in place.
“The City remains committed to supporting the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon in its journey to achieving Abbott World Marathon Major status,” he stated, calling for public cooperation in keeping roads clear and vehicles off the designated route.
Road closures will affect areas across the Atlantic Seaboard, Woodstock, Salt River, Observatory, the Southern Suburbs, and the Cape Town CBD.
Parking restrictions will be enforced from 08:00 SAST on Friday, 17 October 2025, until 14:00 SAST on Sunday, 19 October 2025. Key roads affected include:
- Long Street;
- Beach Road;
- Green Point Main Road;
- Adderley Street;
- Victoria Road;
- Albert Road;
- Campground Road; and
- Orange Street.
The City has urged motorists to plan ahead and use alternative routes, as many of these roads will be inaccessible for the duration of the event.
To ease congestion, several transport options will be available for both participants and spectators. Shuttle and park-and-ride services will operate from Century City, the University of Cape Town (UCT), the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC), and the Civic Centre. MyCiTi Express buses will also run from Table View, Hout Bay, and Camps Bay to Green Point between 04:00 SAST and 05:00 SAST, with return services operating between 10:00 SAST and 14:30 SAST.
Additional travel support includes special Metrorail train services scheduled to arrive at Cape Town Station between 04:45 SAST and 04:50 SAST. Marshals will guide runners to shuttle collection points near Thibault Square.
Cyclists will have access to a free, secure bicycle park located near the race start area in Green Point, and limited parking will be available at the V&A Waterfront.
Spectators are encouraged to participate in the event’s festive atmosphere by supporting runners at several “vibe points” along the route.
A key viewing area will be outside City Hall on the Grand Parade at the 29.9 km mark, where the City will host entertainment including a DJ, dancers, and a minstrel group.
Other recommended viewing spots include Green Point, Woodstock, Rondebosch, Salt River, Orange Street, and Sea Point.
Organisers expect thousands of participants and supporters to attend the marathon, which continues to grow as a major event on the city’s sporting calendar.
The race will finish on Vlei Road in Green Point, where a vibrant atmosphere is anticipated as runners cross the line.
