Thousands of runners are descending on Cape Town for Marathon Week, as the 55th Two Oceans Marathon gets underway, bringing a packed line-up of races and a bustling Expo at the Cape Town International Convention Centre.

With more than 100 exhibitors, the race Expo, which kicks off today, is a one-stop shop for runners to collect their race packs, explore the latest in running gear, tech and equipment, stock up on race nutrition and get advice on navigating their race.

Expo and race-pack collection will run daily from 09:00 to 19:00 until Friday 10 April and will operate until 15:00 on Saturday for Half Marathon runners only.

Tomorrow (9 April), the Cape Town International Friendship Run, a celebration of the global running community, will see hundreds of visiting runners take to the streets of the Atlantic Seaboard from Cape Town Stadium Forecourt, through Mouille Point and finish again in Green Point.

Race weekend

On Saturday 11 April, the Ultra Marathon will take runners on its iconic 56 km journey through the Southern Suburbs, False Bay coastline, Chapman’s Peak and Constantia, finishing at the foot of Table Mountain at the University of Cape Town.

The Half Marathon will close out marathon week on Sunday 12 April with a 21,1 km route through the Southern Suburbs, culminating at UCT Rugby Field.

JP Smith, Mayco member for Safety and Security, said annually, marathon week attracts over 30 000 participants to this prestigious event “contributing meaningfully” to the local economy.

“The city is proud to open its roads to athletes of all levels, giving them the platform to truly Run Cape Town and experience the city in all its scenic glory.

“The city remains committed to delivering a safe, seamless and memorable experience for all participants and spectators as we welcome the world to our city.”

Road Closures

Residents and motorists are advised that an extensive traffic-management plan will be implemented in key routes in Green Point, Sea Point, Southern Suburbs, Deep South, Chapman’s Peak Drive and False Bay coastal routes.

With around 1 000 athletes taking on the International Friendship Run, several roads including Fritz Sonnenberg Road, Granger Bay Boulevard and Beach Road will be impacted from 07:30 to 09:30 tomorrow (9 April).

For the Ultra Marathon on Saturday, road closures and restrictions will be implemented from 03:00 on race morning throughout the route.

Chapman’s Peak Drive will be closed from 18:00 on Friday 10 April until 12:00 on Saturday.

Road closures impacting Newlands Main Road, M3 Southbound, Paradise Road, Ladies Mile Extension and Rhodes Avenue, among others, will be in place from 03:00 on Sunday.

For more information on the Two Oceans Marathon and other events hosted in Cape Town, visit www.eventsincapetown.com

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