Sanlam Cape Town Marathon

As part of its Abbott World Marathon Majors candidacy the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon will see several adjustments to the marathon route this coming October.

The most significant change is that the start and finish will move to Helen Suzman Boulevard, and that runners will head directly to Woodstock, cutting out the loop through Mouille Point.

Course Highlights

From Helen Suzman Boulevard in Green Point, heading back to the Foreshore, runners will turn left onto Buitengracht Street and then onto FW de Klerk Boulevard. From Nelson Mandela Boulevard athletes will take the Searle Road offramp and continue along Searle Road until turning right into Main Road, Woodstock.

Runners will follow Main Road all the way to Newlands and until they reach Stanhope Road in Claremont, from where they will head back to Rondebosch Common via Palmyra, Sandown and Milner Road.

Liesbeek Parkway will take runners back to the city and a turn into Russell Street marks the start of a winding section along the historic Sir Lowry, Tennant, Hanover and Christiaan Street through Zonnebloem, before Roeland, Hatfield, Orange and vibrant Long Street will feed them onto Riebeeck Street.

The Waterkant bridge over Buitengracht Street has been removed to ensure that the race is suitable for athletes in wheelchairs. Athletes will cover this section of the route by crossing from Riebeek Street into Somerset Road making use of the 2010 Fan Walk before heading to Sea Point.

Runners will welcome the cool ocean breeze and sea views as they run out and back along Beach Road to the finish on Helen Suzman Boulevard, where they will receive their well-deserved medal and can enjoy the post-race vibe in the finish village off Vlei Road.
These changes have been made to be in line with the safety and capacity requirements as stipulated by the Abbott World Marathon Majors, and to reduce the race’s impact on traffic flow in and around the City.

Athletes will stand to benefit from reduced congestion at the start, a more spectator-friendly route - especially in the second half of the race - and a total climbing altitude of under 400m.

From start to finish, the route will feature spectacular views and iconic landmarks, while showcasing the vibrant sights, sounds, spirit and rich cultural history of some of the Mother City’s diverse neighbourhoods.