The world-famous Cape Town Marathon was officially cancelled on Tuesday, June 23 – this includes the Peace and Trail Runs. However, the Virtual Marathon, Virtual Half Marathon, as well as the 10km and 5km Virtual Peace Runs will still go ahead on 18 October 2020. Entries are now open.
“We had hoped that this day would never come for the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon team. Sadly, due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the Mother City’s favourite marathon, Peace Runs and Trail Runs will not be held in their traditional format this year,” organisers explained on Facebook.
Those who wished to participate physically need not worry too much, as the race format has changed. Participants who have already entered will have the option of requesting a refund or having their entry fee donated to charity.
“We have decided to develop and launch an interactive and immersive Virtual Race which you can run – within the lockdown parameters of the location you find yourself in – on 18 October,” the Marathon organisers said in a statement. “The Virtual Marathon, Half Marathon and 5km & 10km Peace Runs will all take place on 18 October 2020, and runners may start any time between 6am and 10am (local time).”
Virtual Race participants will not be allowed to follow the actual Cape Town Marathon race course.
“Participants will be required to map out their own 42.2km, 21.1km, 10km or 5km routes, while strictly adhering to the traffic rules and regulations in their area,” organisers said. “Athletes will also be required to adhere to any COVID-19 related hygiene, physical and social distancing regulations set out by their local authorities.”
Those participating in the Virtual Race will receive a link and code to download the app used on Race Day. They have been assured the link to the app will be sent to entrants well before the race begins.
“You will be required to download the Virtual Race app, load your profile and sync with your activity tracker, which must be worn / carried on Race Day. Your phone’s GPS location must be on to enable live tracking,” organisers said.
If you would like to access more information on how the Virtual Race Day will go ahead, click here.
Picture: Cape Town Marathon Facebook Page