TWO OCEANS MARATHON 2016: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

If you are one of those incredible people who are running the Two Oceans Marathon, be it the Ultra or Half marathon,  I applaud you. I am one of those people who believe running is only okay as a child and avoid as much as I can. No doubt you have been preparing for months and are ready to tackle this challenge to the best of you ability. For people like me, who are not participating, but interested, here is what you need to know for Saturday’s event.

Where can you show your support? 

If you know someone who is running and want to show them your support, be it with banners, chanting or a shout out, there are various places you can view the marathon.

The Start – Main Road Rondebosch
There is something exhilarating about watching about the start of a big marathon like this. The runners filled with determination, as they begin their monumental task is definitely a sight worth seeing. This year the start venue is outside SA Breweries, Main Road, Newlands. The Ultra Marathon starts at 6:30 am and the Half Marathon starts at intervals at 5:50 am, 6 am and 6:10 am. The Half Marathon splits off towards Edinburgh Drive, and Protea and Paradise Roads and the Ultra Marathon marathon runners stay on the main road all the way to Fish Hoek.

Fish Hoek to Southern Cross Drive
From Fish Hoek, the Ultra Marathon passes through Kommetjie Road, Main Road and Noordhoek. Chapman’s Peak marks the 28 km mark and is not accessible by car, so head over early to get a good spot. Hout Bay to the top of Constantia Nek is where the athletes may begin to feel the pressure, so support at this point is very encouraging. Head over to Ladies Mile / Parish Road to catch the Half Marathon runners before they tackle the steep, Southern Cross Drive.

Cecelia Forest – The Finish line
The last stretch of the marathon goes along Rhodes Drive where there is plenty of shaded spots for you to stand and see the runners. Road closures prohibit you from entering Cecelia Forrest, but those who live in the area are welcome to hike up. The end is near as the runner pass Newlands Forrest, Kirstenbosch entrance and finally, run towards UCT where the finish line awaits.

Now all you have to do it pick your spot, make sure the road closures don’t affect your route there and cheer the amazing runners on.

Road Closures

There will be road closures on Friday and Saturday for the Fun Run and Two Oceans Marathon. On Friday 25 March the following roads will be closed

7:30 am – 12 am: M3 Northbound offramp to UCT Southern entrance
9:30 am – 1:30 pm: M3 – Union Avenue, Newlands Forest Fire Station Entrance to UCT. Left lane will be fenced off for athletes, right lane will remain open at all times for motorists travelling towards Cape Town
9:30 am – 1:30 pm: Princess Anne Avenue Access to and from M3 Northbound closed

Here is a complete list of road closures for the Two Oceans on Saturday 26 March:

For a list of alternative routes click here.

Photography courtesy Two Oceans Marathon