More than 30 000 athletes, combined for the Ultra and Half Marathons, are expected to hit the streets of Cape Town for the 54th edition of the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon.

The ultramarathon will take runners on a 56km route from Newlands to scenic glory in Muizenberg, St. James, Kalk Bay, the famed Chapman's Peak and Constantia, before finishing on the foot of Table Mountain at UCT on Saturday.

The Half Marathon, a 21.1km journey from Newlands through Claremont, Kenilworth, Wynberg and Constantia before finishing off at UCT's rugby field, will close out Two Oceans Marathon Week on Sunday.

The two main races will be preceded by a 5km International Friendship Run and Two Oceans trail runs, taking place on Friday.

“This is a significant week for Cape Town and the South African running community, where we host over 30 000 runners from 89 countries in our beautiful city.

“The Two Oceans Marathon is key to Cape Town's goal of cementing its place as a top destination for runners worldwide. The City’s support of the race event is its contribution to platforms providing both professional and recreational runners an opportunity to express themselves on the open road in one of the world’s most scenic and vibrant running scenes.

“In addition to its sporting significance, the Two Oceans Marathon has a substantial economic impact on Cape Town, generating millions of Rand in tourism revenue. Hotels, restaurants, and local businesses see increased traffic during the marathon week, contributing to Cape Town’s reputation as a world-class event destination. We are looking forward to welcoming all the athletes to run Cape Town,” said mayco member for safety and security, JP Smith.

Two Oceans Marathon week will kick off with the official opening of the Two Oceans Marathon Expo at the DHL Stadium today which will run until Saturday.

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

Returning this year for the first time since 2019, the International Friendship Run will see around 500 visiting athletes take on a 5km race from the DHL Stadium through Granger Bay, Mouille Point, Sea Point Promenade, and Green Point Urban Park, finishing at the stadium.

Starting at 7:30am, the race will impact several roads, including Fritz Sonnenberg Road, Granger Bay Boulevard and Beach Road, from around 7:30am to 9:30am on Friday.

Traffic flow in the vicinity of the DHL Stadium may be impacted by the Expo from 2 – 5 April from 6am until late in the day.

For the ultramarathon and the half marathon, motorists and residents are advised of extensive road closures and restrictions in the Southern Suburbs and the Deep South.

Residents are also advised that City drop-off sites in Kommetjie, Simon’s Town and Hout Bay will be closed on Saturday. Alternative drop-off sites to consider during this time include Wynberg, Woodstock and Retreat.

Cape Times