The Slave Route Challenge, which was halted in 2020 due to COVID-19, will return to Cape Town’s streets this Sunday. This iconic running event serves to acknowledge and commemorate the city’s history and heritage and to bring together people from all walks of life.
Also read: On your mark, get set, Cape Town’s most historic road race is back
The Slave Route Challenge starts at City Hall and travels through District 6, Gardens, the Company Gardens, Wale Street, BoKaap, DHL Stadium, Fort Wynyard, the CBD and back down Darling Street to the Grand Parade finish.
The route was chosen because it passes through heritage sites such as the whipping post, where slaves were subjected to severe punishment, the Hurling Swing Pump, where slaves were forced to pump water for their masters, the Company Bell, which rang to summon slaves, Gallows Hill, where slaves were executed, the Castle, where slaves were imprisoned and tortured and the Slave Tree Plaque, where slaves were sold.
The race offers several routes to accommodate all levels of walkers and runners, including a 21km half marathon, a 10km walk or run and a 5km fun run.
‘After a long hiatus, we are excited to welcome the Slave Route Challenge back to the city for its 11th edition, commemorating the heritage of Cape Town and highlighting the beauty of our city,’ said the City’s mayoral committee member for safety and security, Alderman JP Smith.
He continued, ‘It also plays an important role in promoting cultural diversity, social cohesion, reconciliation, peace and economic development within the Mother City. We look forward to seeing all Capetonians come together and take part in honouring Cape Town’s history and the generations that have lived before us.’
Participants in the race and walk can look forward to a refreshment stop in BoKaap to enjoy a traditional Cape Malay Koesister!
The following roads will be closed to accommodate Sunday’s event:
- 6am to 10am: Darling Street, between Plein Street and Buitenkant Street (full closure)
- 6am to 10am: Lower Buitenkant Street, between Strand Street and Darling Street (full closure)
- 6am to 8am: Sir Lowry Road, between Sir Lowry and Buitenkant Street (full closure)
- 6am to 8am: Hanover Street, Intersection with Sir Lowry Road (full closure)
- 6am to 8am: Hanover Street, Intersection with Tennant Street (full closure)
- 8am to 10am: Adderley Street, Intersection with Strand Street (partial closure)
- 7:15am to 8:50am: Buitengracht and Wale Street, Intersection of Wale and Buitengracht Street (partial closure)
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Picture: City of Cape Town / Facebook