Two Oceans Marathon kicks off: What Cape Town residents need to know about road closures
Gerda Steyn is the undisputed queen of South African road running.
Image: Leon Lestrade / Independent Newspapers
The City has warned of widespread road closures and increased activity across the metro as more than 30 000 runners take part in the Two Oceans Marathon week, which got under way yesterday.
The five-day programme runs from April 8-12, and includes the 55th edition of the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon, along with the Half Marathon, trail runs and the International Friendship Run.
Safety and security mayco member, JP Smith, said the event continues to play a key role in boosting Cape Town’s economy and global profile.
“Annually, marathon week attracts over 30 000 participants to this prestigious event, including more than 4 500 international runners from 98 countries in 2025 who spent over a week in Cape Town, contributing meaningfully to our local economy,” Smith said.
Proceedings began with the Expo and race pack collection at CTICC 2 on Wednesday, running daily from 9am to 7pm until Friday, and until 3pm on Saturday for Half Marathon runners.
The International Friendship Run will take place on Thursday along the Atlantic Seaboard, starting and finishing at the DHL Stadium forecourt, with participants running through Mouille Point and Green Point.
The main events follow over the weekend, with the 56km Ultra Marathon taking place on Saturday, and the Half Marathon on Sunday along a 21.1km route through the Southern Suburbs, both finishing at the University of Cape Town.
Residents and motorists have been warned to expect widespread road closures and traffic disruptions across key areas, including Green Point, Sea Point, the Southern Suburbs, the Deep South, Chapman’s Peak Drive and False Bay coastal routes.
Road closures for the Ultra Marathon will begin as early as 3am on Saturday, while Chapman’s Peak Drive will be closed from 6pm on Friday until midday on race day.
The City said a comprehensive traffic management plan will be in place to ensure the safety of participants and minimise disruption, while appealing to the public to plan ahead and allow extra travel time.