ROAD CLOSURES DURING THE SANLAM CAPE TOWN MARATHON WEEKEND

The Sanlam Cape Town Marathon, which takes place this weekend, means fun, fitness, charity and conviviality for two days in the Mother City. It does, however, also mean a bit of inconvenience for the drivers and pedestrians who still need to get on with their lives over this period. This is due to the various road closures and other restrictions that will occur in certain areas of Cape Town as a result of the event. Here’s what you need to know.

On Saturday 17 the only area in Cape Town that will be affected is Green Point, due to the 12km and 22km Peace Trail runs, and the 4.2km Peace Fun Run. Restrictions will be in place on various roads between 7 am and 11 am. In addition, between Saturday and Sunday, Beach and Fritz Sonnenberg Roads will be closed from 6 pm to 9 am and 2 pm to 10.30 am, respectively.

Throughout Sunday, thanks in part to the 10km Peace Run but primarily to the 42.2km Marathon, roads in the following areas will have restrictions placed upon them: Sea Point and Green Point, the CBD, Cape Town Harbour and Paarden Eiland, and the Southern Suburbs between Woodstock and Claremont.

The road affected for the longest time is the stretch of Waterkant Street that begins at Bree Street and ends at Buitengracht Street. It will open again on Tuesday 20 September.

While many might turn all this commotion into a reason for staying at home over the weekend, it is still important to get out and cheer on the event’s participants, many of whom have come to Cape Town from overseas. Representing South Africa’s indomitable spirit would no doubt make them feel welcome and excited. In addition, the 42.2km Marathon has already been awarded a Silver Label by the IAAF (the only honour of this kind achieved in Africa), and this year’s goal is to up it’s status to gold.

So, if you want South Africa to shine a bit more brightly in the future, then come along to cheer, dance or sing in support for the runners. To make it easier for you, there are various zones along the marathon’s route designated for spectators. They can be found in the Supporter’s Guide on the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon website. Do take note that ‘1km’ and ‘2km’ should read ‘21.1km’ and ‘42.2km’ respectively.

There will also be a free spectator bus available, stopping at five different points along the marathon route. They are the Start and Finish points, Rondebosch Common, Company’s Garden on Orange and Queen Victoria Streets, and Prestwich Museum. To catch the bus, go to the MyCiti Stadium bus stop and look out for the MyCiti Spectator bus.

For more information on the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon, visit www.capetownmarathon.com.

Photography courtesy Sanlam Cape Town Marathon