Cape Town: The Sanlam Cape Town Marathon is just weeks away, and residents are encouraged to support a car-free race route as the event aims to join the prestigious Abbott World Marathon Majors. From May 22 to 24, 2026 several major roads across the city will be closed or restricted. Residents and visitors are asked to plan travel in advance to ensure a safe, world-class event for all.
The Sanlam Cape Town Marathon is back in the city. The candidate race for the Abbott World Marathon Majors, is just under a month away. The City of Cape Town calls on residents and motorists to support a car-free route for a successful race event.
Reportedly, the Cape Town Marathon is being assessed on the event’s operational standards and participant experience; as part of its bid to join the prestigious Abbott World Marathon Majors.
The Marathon Majors represents a series of the world’s most renowned marathons, including the:
- Boston Marathon
- Berlin Marathon
- Chicago Marathon
- London Marathon
- New York City Marathon
- Tokyo Marathon
- Sydney Marathon
A key requirement for Cape Town’s inclusion is the successful implementation of a fully car-free race route. To support this, the Cape Town Marathon management, working with the City’s Events Coordination Committee, will implement no-parking restrictions and road closures along key sections of the marathon route in the lead up to race day.
Affected areas will include the Atlantic Seaboard, CBD, District Six, Mowbray, Observatory, Salt River, Woodstock, Rondebosch and Newlands.
Considering this, Member of the Mayoral Committee for Safety and Security – Alderman JP Smith stated that delivering a car-free route is critical to the marathon’s international assessment. They are asking residents and visitors to partner with them by planning ahead and avoiding parking along the route on race weekend.
According to Smith, the City of Cape Town has been working closely with organisers to ensure a safe and efficient event. The public has already shown its cooperation in 2024 and 2025, and they are hoping for the same this year. As it will play a key role in achieving the marathon objectives and showcasing Cape Town as a world-class host city.
Notably, the marathon organisers have planned for alternative and secure parking in areas where residents rely on on-street parking. If successful, the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon will become the first Abbott World Marathon Major on the African continent.