The Sanlam Cape Town Marathon is just under a month away, with the City of Cape Town’s Safety and Security Directorate calling on residents and motorists to support road closures and a car-free route to ensure a successful event.
The marathon, which is a candidate race for the Abbott World Marathon Majors, is currently being assessed on its operational standards and overall participant experience as part of its bid to join the prestigious global series.
The series includes races such as the Boston Marathon, Berlin Marathon, Chicago Marathon, London Marathon, New York City Marathon, Tokyo Marathon and Sydney Marathon.
Safety and Security MMC, JP Smith, says a key requirement for Cape Town’s inclusion is the successful implementation of a fully car-free race route. To achieve this, marathon organisers, in partnership with the City’s Events Coordination Committee, will enforce no-parking restrictions and road closures along key sections of the route in the lead-up to race day.
“Delivering a car-free route is critical to the marathon’s international assessment. We are asking residents and visitors to partner with us by planning ahead and avoiding parking along the route on race weekend,” said Smith
Affected areas include the Atlantic Seaboard, CBD, District Six, Mowbray, Observatory, Salt River, Woodstock, Rondebosch and Newlands.
Road closures will be in effect from 08:00 on Friday, 22 May until 15:30 on Sunday, 24 May 2026, impacting several major routes, including Beach Road, Portswood Road, Searle Street, Victoria Road, Observatory Main Road, Albert Road, Darling Street, Long Street, Riebeek Street, Somerset Road and Green Point Main Road.
FIND FULL LIST OF ROAD CLOSURES: SCTM26 Road Closure 21 Jan 2026
The City has urged residents and visitors to plan ahead and avoid parking along the route during race weekend.
Organisers have also arranged alternative and secure parking options for residents who rely on on-street parking.
READ MORE: How 2 men smashed through a marathon barrier long thought unbreakable
