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After last year’s race was cancelled at the last minute due to howling winds, the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon returns to the city this weekend with much more than medals and PBs on the line. The 2026 race carries extra significance for runners, organisers and the city itself, as Cape Town continues its bid to become Africa’s first Abbott World Marathon Major.
But with 27 000 runners expected to take to the streets on Sunday (and thousands more at other weekend events!), road closures and parking restrictions are set to roll out across the city during Cape Town’s biggest running weekend.
When is the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon?
The Sanlam Cape Town Marathon takes place on Sunday, 24 May, with runners starting in Green Point before following a 42.2km route through some of the city’s most recognisable suburbs and landmarks. Here is the full Cape Town Marathon route.
But, race-weekend events begin on Saturday, 23 May, with the Peace Runs and trail events adding to the action around the Green Point and DHL Stadium precinct.
Which roads will be closed?
Throughout the race weekend, roads will be closed and traffic restrictions will be implemented along the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon route. Key affected roads in the city include:
- Helen Suzman Boulevard
- Beach Road in Sea Point
- Beach Road in Mouille Point
- Granger Bay Boulevard
- Nelson Mandela Boulevard
- Somerset Road in Green Point
- Buitengracht Street
As the runners head along Main Road, they (and the traffic disruption) will move into the southern suburbs, so expect further closures along:
- Palmyra Road
- Rondebosch Common
- Liesbeek Parkway
- Albert Road
Parking restrictions will also apply to sections of the route, and residents are advised to pay close attention to temporary signage and no-parking notices.
Getting to the race
For those taking part on Saturday, shuttle services will operate from the V&A Waterfront, CTICC, Civic Centre and Thibault Square MyCiTi stations to the start line outside DHL Stadium, running between 5.30am and 5.30pm.
On Sunday, runners are strongly encouraged to use public transport and official shuttles rather than driving into the Green Point precinct.
Where to watch
Spectators will also have plenty of places to catch the action. Recommended viewing points include the start areas on Fritz Sonnenberg Road and Beach Road in Green Point, the N2 off-ramp near Searle Street in Woodstock, Palmyra Junction, Rondebosch Park, Rondebosch Common, Liesbeek Parkway, and the Grand Parade area around Darling Street.
With thousands of runners expected on the roads, the simplest advice is to avoid unnecessary driving near the route, allow extra travel time, and consult the City of Cape Town’s road closure guide before heading out.
Look out for… Eliud!
Race weekend also brings serious star power to the Mother City, with Kenyan marathon legend Eliud Kipchoge set to line up for the 2026 Sanlam Cape Town Marathon. Kipchoge, who in 2019 became the first person to run a marathon distance in under two hours in an unofficial exhibition event in Vienna, has chosen Cape Town as the first stop on Eliud’s Running World, his new seven-continent marathon tour. It is also set to be his first-ever marathon on African soil, adding another major moment to Cape Town’s push for World Marathon Major status.
Why this year matters
If you do find yourself stuck in traffic, take a moment to remember the bigger picture.
This year’s race marks a major milestone for Cape Town’s global running ambitions. The marathon remains in the candidacy process to join the Abbott World Marathon Majors. If the 2026 race passes its next assessment, Cape Town will be one step closer to becoming the first Major on the African continent.
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