The City of Cape Town (COCT) is set to host another major event for the second week in a row as the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon returns to the Mother City’s streets and mountain trails on Sunday, October 17.
According to event organisers, they are on track with the final preparations, in accordance with their COVID-19 Risk Mitigation Plan. Race Week will kick off with the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon Registration and Expo at DHL Cape Town Stadium on 15 and 16 October, where participants will undergo their COVID rapid antigen tests, collect their race packs and indulge in some last-minute pre-race shopping.
Trail snakes will then line up at the start of the 46km and 22km Trail Runs on Saturday, October 16, while runners from across the globe can participate in the Virtual Peace Runs on the same day, the Marathon will take centre stage the next day.
Marathon Race Director Renee Jordaan says they are excited to welcome over 9,000 marathon runners and 1,000 trail runners this coming weekend but also anticipate over 5,000 local and international participants in the 5km, 10km and 21km Virtual Peace Runs, which runners can still enter for until October 15.
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However, organising the 2021 Sanlam Cape Town Marathon has had its own unique set of challenges in the face of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic as a comprehensive Risk Mitigation Plan was presented to stakeholders which earned race organisers the green light from the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, and the City of Cape Town to host the event this year.
“Sadly, this year’s race is required to be a spectator-free event, but we can assure all athletes that our refreshment point crew will add all the energy and vibe they need to power through the course from start to finish,” Jordaan said.
Avoid the hassle of finding a parking on race day ?. The City of Cape Town is providing free MyCiTi shuttles, running between the MyCiTi Civic Station and MyCiTi Stadium Station @ 04h45 to 05h50 & @ 09h00 to 14h00. pic.twitter.com/WGbLrS5dQq
— Cape Town Marathon (@CTMarathon) October 12, 2021
COCT Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security JP Smith mentioned further that the COCT views the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon as one of the key events that could go a long way in being a catalyst in the long-term recovery, as well as the sustainability of the events and tourism industries.
“Our City events and disaster risk management officials are working with the organisers to ensure we put together a safe and successful race. We would like to urge lovers of the marathon to help us ensure a safe event by following the broadcast on TV and online,” Smith said.
Meanwhile, supporters are encouraged to follow the event on SuperSport 1, SABC 2, or on the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon Facebook page or website between 06h00 and 09h30 on Sunday morning.
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Picture: Cape{town}etc gallery