Motorists and residents across Cape Town are being urged to prepare for widespread road closures and no-parking zones as the city gears up for the upcoming Sanlam Cape Town Marathon.
The City of Cape Town confirmed that key routes across the city will be affected from 08:00 on Friday, 22 May until 15:30 on Sunday, 24 May 2026, as part of efforts to implement a fully car-free race route.
Areas and routes affected by Cape Town Marathon
Closures and restrictions will impact several major areas, including the Atlantic Seaboard, CBD, District Six, Mowbray, Observatory, Salt River, Woodstock, Rondebosch and Newlands.
Among the key routes affected are:
- Beach Road: Between Fritz Sonnenberg Road and Portswood Road
- Beach Road: Between Mouille Point Lighthouse and Fritz Sonnenberg Road
- Portswood Road: Between Beach Road and Helen Suzman Boulevard
- Searle Street: Between Nelson Mandela Boulevard and Victoria Road
- Victoria Road (Main Road): Between Searle Street and Avenue Road/Salt River Road
- Victoria Road (Main Road): Between Avenue Road and Browning Road (inbound only)
- Victoria Road (Main Road): Between Browning Road and N2 (inbound only)
- Observatory Main Road: Between N2 and Rhodes Avenue (inbound only)
- Albert Road: Between Lower Main Road and Salt River Circle
- Darling Street: Between Castle Street and Plein Street
- Long Street: Between Riebeek Street and Orange Street
- Riebeek Street: Between Long Street and Buitengracht Street
- Somerset Road and Green Point Main Road: Between Buitengracht Street and Three Anchor Bay Road
- Beach Road: Between Three Anchor Bay Road and Queens Road Circle
These routes will be closed or restricted at various points throughout the marathon weekend, with some closures lasting for the full duration.
A full list of road closures, as well as no-parking zones, can be found here.
Plan ahead, residents warned
The City has called on residents to avoid parking along the route and to make alternative travel arrangements well in advance.
While alternative parking options will be made available in some areas, officials warned that access in and out of affected neighbourhoods may be limited at certain times.
The extensive shutdown is not just about race logistics; it’s also central to Cape Town’s global ambitions.
The marathon is currently being assessed as a candidate for the Abbott World Marathon Majors, a prestigious circuit that includes races such as the Berlin Marathon and the Tokyo Marathon.
A fully car-free route is a key requirement for inclusion.
A critical moment for the city
City officials say public cooperation will play a decisive role in the outcome.
“Delivering a car-free route is critical to the marathon’s international assessment,” said Safety and Security Mayoral Committee Member JP Smith.
If successful, Cape Town would become the first city in Africa to host a Marathon Major.
This achievement could boost tourism and cement its status as a global sporting destination.
