THE COUNTDOWN IS ON: CAPE TOWN MARATHON ON CUSP OF MAJORS
The countdown is on. In just 9 days, thousands of runners from across South Africa and the world will take the streets of the Mother City for the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon.
The city marathon is one step closer to joining the prestigious Abbott World Marathon Majors alongside the likes of Berlin, Boston, Chicago, London, New York, Sydney and Tokyo.
All that stands in the way is passing stage 2, which requires meeting 104-point criteria that requires excellence in operational standards and participant experience.
Sanlam Cape Town Marathon organisers, working with the City of Cape Town and other partners, have pulled out all the stops to put together a race event that check all boxes.
Who’s Running: The Stars to Watch
The road to becoming a major requires, among other criteria, elevating the elite field and the Cape Town Marathon has already delivered on that front.
All eyes will be on the elite field, which includes a mix of African contenders and South Africa’s finest.
In the start pen will be 16 of Africa’s elite – six platinum and eight gold status athletes – the best elite marathon field in the continent’s history.
With a men’s field that includes Kenyans Ronald Korit and Bethwel Chumba Kibet, Ethiopia’s Boki Kebede Asefa and South African marathon record holder Elroy Geland, the Cape Town Marathon course record will be under threat.
In the women’s race, South African queen of ultra-running Gerda Steyn leads a field that includes Kenyans Winfridah Moseti and Angela Tanui and 2024 runner-up Mare Dibaba of Ethiopia.
The Road to Becoming a World Marathon Major
Having successfully completed stage one of assessment in 2024, the marathon has proven capable of pulling of an Abbott World Marathon Majors standard race and will be looking to improve on that winning formula.
The 2024 race, thanks to meticulous planning from marathon management, the City of Cape Town and other partners, was a seamless operation from route management, athlete participation to the vibrant atmosphere created by participants and supporters.
“With the help of our partners, the City of Cape Town, and the citizens of the Mother City, we achieved an unconditional pass for Stage 1 of our Abbott World Marathon Majors candidacy in 2024. In 2025, we are undertaking Stage 2 and to that end have secured the best elite marathon field in the race’s history,” says Sanlam Cape Town Marathon CEO Clark Gardner.
“Where London and New York vie to be the biggest marathons in the world, we believe the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon can be the best. Our beautiful route, the dedication of our sponsors and partners, and the enthusiasm of the city’s runners and residents are key to achieving this feat.”
The Route: A City on Show
With a route that connects the Atlantic Seaboard, the Southern Suburbs and the CBD, the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon takes runners on a scenic journey through the soul of the Mother City.
From the ocean breeze of the Atlantic to the shadow of Table Mountain, every stretch of the 42.2 km course offers a postcard moment of Cape Town in motion.
The race begins outside the DHL Stadium and on Beach Road in Mouille Point, where thousands of runners set off against the backdrop of Signal Hill.
From there, the route sweeps along Nelson Mandela Boulevard, carrying runners through Woodstock’s creative streets, past Salt River’s industrial heartbeat and into the leafy avenues of Mowbray and Claremont.
Turning at Newlands, the course loops back toward the city, tracing a path past Rondebosch Common and the historic heart of District Six, before opening to views of Table Mountain as runners re-enter the CBD.
The final stretch takes them, past the Castle of Good Hope, City Hall and through the Company’s Garden — landmarks rich with Cape Town’s layered history.
The journey ends on Vlei Road in Green Point, but not before the dreaded loop of death in the picturesque Sea Point.
While the journey of light elevation, some strategic climbs and daunting toll on the body may not be an easy one, Cape Town provides a feast for the eyes to sooth the runners along the way.
Feel the Gees: Vibe Points & Spectator Hotspots
No race in Cape Town is complete without gees, atmosphere and support of spectators along the route, offering much-needed encouragement to the athletes.
The City of Cape Town is setting up a hydration station, and a vibe point outside City Hall to keep the energy high as runners make their way through the heart of the city.
Join the City at the 29.9km mark of the route on the Grand Parade in front of City Hall to cheer on the runners as they make their way towards the finish line.
Expect a DJ, dancers, and a minstrel group bringing the beats and high energy.
The festive atmosphere will not be limited to Darling Street; spectators are encouraged to line the route and be part of this historic event.
The Cape Town Marathon has compiled a list of the best spectator viewing points along the route.
From activations by adidas, Sanlam, KFM and Woolworths, these vibe points will keep an electric atmosphere for runners and spectators alike.
Logistics & Road Closures: What You Need to Know
The Cape Town Marathon, along with the City of Cape Town, have put together comprehensive logistical arrangements that ensure runners, residents and motorists are able to
As Abbott World Marathon Major evaluation requires a car-free route, several parking restrictions will be instituted along the race route on the Atlantic Seaboard, Woodstock, Salt River, Observatory, the Southern Suburbs and the CBD.
The restrictions will be in place from 08:00 on Friday, 17 October until 14:00 on Sunday, 19 October 2025.
Some of the critical areas include Long Street, Green Point Main Road, Beach Road in Sea Point, Adderley Street, Darling Street, Victoria Road in Salt River, Albert Road in Woodstock, Campground Road in Rondebosch, Orange Street in Gardens.
Here’s a comprehensive of the no parking areas and road closures for the marathon.
For enquiries on road closures and parking restrictions, please contact comms@capetownmarathon.com.
Runners and spectators going to the start and finish in the Green Point Precinct are reminded there will be little to no access to parking in the precinct.
The Cape Town Marathon has put together a transport plan that includes a park & ride, a MyCiTi shuttle, a special train service and a bicycle park.
The bus shuttle, to the race start, will be available from Century City, UCT CTICC, Civic Centre while the MyCiTi Express shuttle will also be available for participants from Table View (T01), Hout Bay (109) and Camps Bay/Maiden’s Cove (109).
For more information on the transport option, visit the Cape Town Marathon website.
Safety teams, medics and volunteers will be on duty throughout the course — ensuring that both runners and spectators have a smooth, safe experience.
