In 2020, the Cape Town Marathon went hybrid with a small number of elite athletes taking on the race in the Mother City. Following approvals from national government, the marathon will welcome a much larger group of runners this year.

The Sanlam Cape Town Marathon – Africa’s only Gold Label Status Marathon – returns with a much bigger event this weekend for the first time since 2019.

This Sunday, 17 October 2021, over 9 000 runners will take on the 42.2 km race through one of the most scenic routes in the world while also taking in some of the Mother City’s iconic landmarks.

A further 1 000 athletes will be participating in the trail runs on Saturday, 16 October 2021.

As part of this year’s Covid-19 risk mitigation measures, the marathon is introducing mandatory antigen testing for all runners and crew at the event, has a smaller race field and a staggered race start with small groups for better physical distancing.

Additionally, the route has been altered slightly to avoid front runners intersecting with the back runners in the CBD.

The loop in Beach Road, Sea Point is now closer to the finish to ensure that these groups do not clash.

The marathon will now kick off on Fritz Sonneberg Road instead of the regular starting point on Granger Bay Boulevard.

No spectators will be allowed in the DHL Stadium (previously known as the Cape Town Stadium) precinct.

‘City officials from Events, Disaster Risk Management and Transport have been working with the event organisers over the last few months on the route logistics, to ensure we deliver a safe and successful race, in line with Covid-19 mitigation protocols. In light of recent amendments to the national disaster management regulations, we would like to urge spectators along the route to observe the required protocols, including wearing masks at all times.

‘As the City, we are thrilled to be welcoming a much larger field taking on the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon. We view this as one of the key events that could go a long way in being a catalyst in the long-term economic recovery, as well as the sustainability of the events and tourism industries,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security Alderman JP Smith.

Motorists are advised to take note of the temporary road closures that will be in place over the weekend and to plan their trips accordingly.

Source: City Of Cape Town