Cape Town is gearing up for one of its biggest sporting events as the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon 2026 takes over the city this weekend, bringing with it both excitement and early morning road closures across the southern suburbs.
The internationally acclaimed Two Oceans Marathon will take place on 11 and 12 April, featuring the gruelling 56km Ultra Marathon on Saturday and the 21.1km Half Marathon on Sunday. Both races start in Newlands and finish at the University of Cape Town (UCT), drawing thousands of runners and spectators from around the world.
As the countdown intensifies, residents and motorists are being urged to plan ahead, particularly in the Southern Suburbs, where several key routes will be affected in the early hours of race day.
In Newlands and stretching towards Tokai, sections of Main Road will be closed between 03:30am and 07:45am as runners make their way along the route. Further along, the southbound lane on Main Road between Steenberg and Muizenberg will be closed from 05:30am to 8am, while the stretch from Muizenberg to Fish Hoek will be limited to local access only between 05:45am and 08:45am.
Mountain routes will also be impacted, with Rhodes Drive from Constantia Nek to the M3 closing from 07:30am until 12:30pm. Motorists using the M3 near UCT, particularly around Union Avenue, should expect lane closures and delays between 7am and 13:30pm as the race approaches its final stages.
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Although the race route does not pass directly through Observatory, traffic congestion is expected to spill over into surrounding areas. Roads such as Main Road, Rhodes Drive, the M3 and routes near UCT are likely to experience slower-than-usual traffic throughout the morning.
Despite the disruptions, the marathon remains a highlight on Cape Town’s events calendar, celebrated for its scenic routes and vibrant atmosphere. Residents are encouraged to embrace the spirit of the race, while allowing extra travel time and considering alternative routes where possible.
With race weekend fast approaching, the city is once again ready to welcome the energy, endurance and excitement that define the Two Oceans Marathon.
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Picture: Miguel A Amutio / Unspalsh
