Cape Town Marathon 2024: Races explained, what to expect, road closures

The Cape Town Marathon 2024 is set to take place on the weekend of 19-20 October, featuring a variety of races and road closures across the city.

Cape Town marathon road closures

The Sanlam Cape Town Marathon is set to take place over the weekend of 19-20 October 2024.

Story Summary:

  • The 2024 Sanlam Cape Town Marathon will take place on 19-20 October, with thousands of participants expected.
  • Several race types, including the marathon, half marathon, and 10km race, will be featured, with road closures in effect throughout the city.
  • Major road closures include sections of Fritz Sonnenberg Rd, Beach Rd, and Somerset Rd, with restrictions starting as early as 06:00.

Cape Town Marathon 2024: Races explained

This event, one of South Africa’s most prominent marathons, attracts over 21,000 participants from around the globe.

The marathon offers a range of race types to suit different fitness levels:

  • 42.2km Marathon: The main event takes runners through scenic suburbs and iconic landmarks of Cape Town.
  • 22km and 46km Trail Runs: For the more adventurous, these races offer an off-road experience, showcasing the natural beauty of the Cape.
  • 10km Peace Run: Aimed at fostering community spirit, this race is perfect for casual runners and walkers alike.
  • 5km Fun Run: A family-friendly event, ideal for participants of all ages looking to enjoy a light run through the city.

Each of these races provides a unique opportunity for participants to immerse themselves in the culture and landscape of Cape Town while contributing to various charitable causes.

What to expect from this year’s marathon

Participants and spectators alike can expect a lively and festive atmosphere throughout the event.

The Cape Town Marathon will transform the Mother City’s streets into a vibrant block party, with supporters lining the route to cheer on runners.

The marathon route spans the city’s diverse suburbs, offering beautiful views of Table Mountain and iconic spots like Rondebosch Common and the Company Gardens.

Elite athletes will kick off the race early, with the wheelchair division starting at 06:10, followed by the elite runners at 06:15.

The open field will commence at staggered intervals between 06:17 and 07:07.

For those looking to spectate, this is the perfect opportunity to witness some of the world’s best athletes in action, while also supporting local participants as they test their endurance on Cape Town’s streets.

Cape Town Marathon 2024 road closures

To accommodate the marathon and its various races, several road closures will be implemented. Below is an overview of the road closures to expect:

Affected RoadRestrictionFromTo
Fritz Sonnenberg RdNo Parking18 Oct, 08h0020 Oct, 09h00
Beach RdNo Parking – Both directions18 Oct, 08h0020 Oct, 09h00
Portswood DrNo Parking – Both directions18 Oct, 08h0020 Oct, 09h00
Searle StNo Parking – Both directions18 Oct, 17h0020 Oct, 09h00
Victoria RdNo Parking – Both directions18 Oct, 17h0020 Oct, 10h00
Main Rd (Mowbray – Newlands)No Parking – Inbound carriageway18 Oct, 17h0020 Oct, 10h00
Liesbeek ParkwayNo Parking – Southbound carriageway18 Oct, 17h0020 Oct, 11h00
Albert RdNo Parking – Both directions18 Oct, 17h0020 Oct, 12h00
Newmarket StNo Parking – Both directions18 Oct, 17h0020 Oct, 12h00
Russell StNo Parking – Both directions18 Oct, 17h0020 Oct, 12h00
Sir Lowry RdNo Parking – Outbound direction18 Oct, 17h0020 Oct, 12h00
Darling StNo Parking – Inbound carriageway18 Oct, 17h0020 Oct, 12h00
Adderley StNo Parking – Both directions18 Oct, 17h0020 Oct, 13h00
Orange StNo Parking – Southbound carriageway18 Oct, 17h0020 Oct, 13h00
Long StNo Parking – Outbound direction18 Oct, 17h0020 Oct, 13h00
Riebeek StNo Parking – Both directions18 Oct, 17h0020 Oct, 13h00
Somerset Rd (Inbound)No Parking – Inbound carriageway18 Oct, 08h0020 Oct, 14h00
Main Rd (Greenpoint)No Parking – Inbound carriageway18 Oct, 08h0020 Oct, 14h00
Three Anchor Bay RdNo Parking – Inbound carriageway18 Oct, 08h0020 Oct, 14h00
Beach RdNo Parking – Both directions18 Oct, 08h0020 Oct, 14h00
Affected RoadRestrictionFromTo
Vlei RdFull Closure14 Oct, 08h0021 Oct, 14h00
Fritz Sonnenberg RdFull Closure16 Oct, 14h0021 Oct, 14h00
P12 ParkingPartial Closure / No access19 Oct, 05h0020 Oct, 14h00
P13 ParkingPartial Closure / No access19 Oct, 05h0020 Oct, 14h00
P14 ParkingNo access20 Oct, 06h0020 Oct, 14h00
Somerset/Main RdTemporary delays / stop & hold06h0016h00
High Level RdTemporary delays / stop & hold06h0016h00
Joubert RdTemporary delays / stop & hold06h0016h00
Ocean View DrTemporary delays / stop & hold06h0016h00
Springbok RdTemporary delays / stop & hold06h0016h00
Kloof Nek RdTemporary delays / stop & hold06h3014h30
Kloof RdCaution runners07h0012h00
Fritz Sonnenberg RdFull Closure06h3012h00
Beach RdSeaside Lane Closed06h3014h00
Beach RdInbound Lanes Closed06h3014h00
Bay RdFull Closure06h3014h00
Intersection at Ocean View Dr & Clyde RdFull Closure06h3014h00
Intersection at Springbok Rd & Clyde RdFull Closure06h3014h00
Signal Hill & Tafelberg RdFull Closure06h3014h00
Kloof Rd and Kloof Nek RdFull Closure06h3014h00