Cape Town is ready to observe Sanlam Cape Town Marathon on Oct 19, 2025 which is a part of prestigious Abbott World Marathon Majors. The city advises residents, motorists and participants to take note of the logistical arrangements, road closures and restrictions that will be in effective on race day.
The Marathon will undergo final stage evaluation as an Abbott World Marathon Majors candidate. Passing the assessment would see Cape Town to join Berlin, Boston, Chicago, New York, London, Sydney and Tokyo as part of the series of the largest and most renowned marathons in the world in 2026.
After completing the stage one successfully of assessment in 2024, the Cape Town Marathon will have to meet a 104-point criteria that requires excellence in operational standards and participant experience.
Considering this, Member of the Mayoral Committee for Safety and Security – Alderman JP Smith said that the City of Cape Town is committed to support the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon in its journey to achieve Abbott World Marathon Major status.
He said that joining this prestigious group would be an incredible milestone for Cape Town and South Africa, and for the entire continent. For over past few months, the City teams have been working closely with marathon organisers on the race route, by coordinating the logistics and finalising plans to ensure a safe and successful event for all.
According to the Smith, a key focus area for this year’s evaluation is ensuring that no vehicles are parked along the route and once again they asked for the public support in maintaining this standard.
By linking the route of Atlantic Seaboard, Woodstock, Salt River, Observatory, the Southern Suburbs and the CBD, roads in those areas will be impacted for several hours on Oct 19.
Notably, the Abbott World Marathon Major evaluation requires a car-free route, several parking restrictions will be instituted along the race route in those neighbourhoods.