b
Image: Ian Landsberg/Independent Media
The vibrant city of Cape Town is once again a bustling hub of energy and enthusiasm as the much-anticipated 55th edition of the Two Oceans Marathon taking this weekend.
The festivities kicked off with the Expo and Race Pack collection at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC 2), running daily from 9am to 7pm until Friday, and continuing until 3pm on Saturday exclusively for Half Marathon runners.
With more than 100 exhibitors set to showcase the latest in running gear, technology, and nutritional products, the Expo promises to be a one-stop shop for participants to gear up and gather invaluable advice on race strategies.
On Thursday, April 9, the scenic streets of the Atlantic Seaboard will be alive with the vibrant spirit of the Cape Town International Friendship Run. Promoting global camaraderie among runners, this celebratory event will commence at the DHL Stadium Forecourt, winding through scenic locations such as Mouille Point before concluding in Green Point.
It’s expected to see an impressive turnout of around 1,000 athletes, further highlighting the remarkable community spirit the marathon embodies.
The race weekend will shine with its two headline events. On Saturday, April 11, the Ultra Marathon will take its challengers through a breathtaking 56km route, traversing the mesmerizing landscapes of the Southern Suburbs, False Bay coastline, and Chapman’s Peak, culminating at the iconic University of Cape Town at the foot of Table Mountain. Following closely, the Half Marathon will take place on Sunday, April 12, offering runners a 21.1 km journey likewise enriched with scenic views, ultimately concluding at the UCT Rugby Field.
“Annually, marathon week attracts over 30,000 participants to this prestigious event, including more than 4,500 international runners from 98 countries,” noted Alderman JP Smith, the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security.
“As we welcome thousands of runners and visitors, we are reminded of the Two Oceans Marathon’s role in strengthening Cape Town’s position as a leading destination for sport and active lifestyle tourism.”
However, while excitement builds, local residents and motorists are urged to take note of the extensive traffic management plan set to be implemented across key routes in Green Point, Sea Point, Southern Suburbs, Deep South, and Chapman’s Peak Drive from April 8 – 12.
For the International Friendship Run on Thursday, affected roads include Fritz Sonnenberg Road and Beach Road, impacted primarily between 07:30 and 09:30. The Ultra Marathon will see road restrictions begin from 03:00 on race day, with Chapman’s Peak Drive closing from 18:00 on Friday through to midday on Saturday. On Sunday, further road closures will be implemented for the Half Marathon.
IOL