The highly anticipated Sanlam Cape Town Marathon is just around the corner, taking place on 24 May 2026, as it gears up to join the ranks of the esteemed Abbott World Marathon Majors.
With thousands of participants expected, the City of Cape Town is preparing for significant disruptions, including extensive road closures and parking restrictions that all residents, motorists, and spectators should be aware of.
The marathon route will wind its way through some of Cape Town’s most iconic areas, linking Green Point, the Central Business District (CBD), Woodstock, Salt River, Observatory, the Southern Suburbs, and Sea Point.
As a result, numerous roads will be closed on the weekend of the event, particularly on Saturday, 23 May, and Sunday, 24 May 2026.
Key road closures and parking restrictions
Roads heavily impacting the marathon route 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
- Liesbeek Parkway in Observatory and Mowbray
- Darling Street
- Long Street
- Adderley Street
- Main Road between Woodstock, Observatory and Salt River
To facilitate a smooth race experience, parking restrictions will begin on Friday, 22 May 2026, in designated areas to ensure a car-free route. Key areas affected by these restrictions include Green Point, Sea Point, the CBD, District Six, Woodstock, Observatory, Salt River, Mowbray, Rondebosch, and Newlands.
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Residents are urged to adhere to the no-parking notices, as vehicles parked in restricted zones will be towed at owners’ expense. Those affected can reach out to the Cape Town Marathon race office via [email protected] for alternative parking information.
Transport options for participants and spectators
Runners and their supporters should note that there will be limited parking availability in the Green Point precinct where the marathon kick-off and finish line are located.
To ease access for attendees, a complimentary MyCiTi shuttle service will operate from the Civic Centre, Thibault Square, and the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) from 5:30am to 6:45am on race day.
Post-race, return buses will be running between 11am and 5:30pm to take participants back to their starting points. For detailed information on potential service disruptions to the MyCiTi shuttle system, please visit the MyCiTi website here.
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Picture: Peter Heeger / Gallo Images
