Two Oceans Marathon week is officially underway, ahead of the 54th annual events at the weekend. Thousands of athletes and spectators have descended on Cape Town for a week of festivities.
The expo officially opened at the DHL Stadium on Wednesday in the run-up to the weekend races. At the expo, runners will have the opportunity to explore, pick up, and stock up on everything they need before they hit the road.
“With more than 100 exhibitors, the Expo is a one-stop shop for runners to pick up their race packs, explore the latest in running gear, tech, and equipment, stock up on race nutrition, and get the best advice on navigating their race,” said JP Smith, Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security.
Three racing events are scheduled for this weekend. The weekend kicks off with a 5km International Friendship Run and two trail runs on Friday. Thereafter, the Ultramarathon, a 56km route from Newlands to the picturesque Muizenberg, St. James, Kalk Bay, Chapman’s Peak, and Constantia, will conclude at the foot of Table Mountain at UCT on Saturday. The races conclude with the Half Marathon, a 21.1km race through Claremont, Kenilworth, Wynberg, and Constantia, on Sunday.
More than 30,000 participants are expected to take part in the ultra- and half-marathons.
Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, JP Smith, said this event (and those similar to this) cement Cape Town’s position in the world as a top destination for runners.
“The Two Oceans Marathon not only attracts over 30,000 runners from 89 countries but also plays a vital role in boosting Cape Town’s reputation as a top global destination for runners. In addition to its sporting significance, the Two Oceans Marathon has a substantial economic impact on Cape Town, generating millions of Rand in tourism revenue,” he added.
Road closures
Road closures are already in place around the DHL Stadium (for the expo), with further closures expected on Fritz Sonnenberg Road, Granger Bay Boulevard, and Beach Road on Friday from 07:30 to 09:30.
Extensive road closures will affect the Southern Suburbs and Deep South areas during the Ultramarathon and Half Marathon.
Other City notices
Waste drop-off sites in Kommetjie, Simon’s Town, and Hout Bay will be closed on Saturday.
Residents are urged to visit sites in Wynberg, Woodstock and Retreat as an alternative.
