Cape Town is preparing for a busy Sunday as the first Nelson Mandela Marathon will take place in the city on October 18, 2026. Thousands of runners are expected to participate, which will lead to road closures and transport disruptions in the Central Business District (CBD), Green Point, and the Atlantic Seaboard areas. Residents and visitors are advised to familiarize themselves with the event details before heading out.
The main marathon, covering a distance of 42 km, will start at the Grand Parade, passing by iconic Cape Town landmarks, including District Six, Parliament, Company Gardens, and Bo-Kaap. The route then heads towards Sea Point and Green Point, continues along Marine Drive to Woodridge Island, and finally returns to the city center. This offers an opportunity to see Cape Town from a new perspective, enjoying historical quarters, city streets, and coastal views.
The event features four different distances, with start times scheduled throughout the morning. Runners are advised to check the race information in advance to confirm their start conditions.
Road closures will affect parts of the CBD, District Six, Green Point, and the Atlantic Seaboard. Affected streets include Darling Street, Strand Street, Adderley Street, Somerset Road, Marine Drive, Beach Road, and Main Road in Green Point. Some restrictions will begin even before race day. For instance, Darling Street between Corporation Street and Bo-Kaap Street will be closed from noon on Saturday, October 17, and reopen at 5 am on Monday, October 19.
Strand Street, the section between Adderley Street and Castle Street, is planned to be closed at midnight before the marathon begins and reopened at 10:30 am on Sunday. Other closures will be implemented in phases, and the reopening time for each road will vary. Drivers are strongly advised to check the official City of Cape Town website for up-to-date traffic information before traveling.
Runners can utilize free MyCiTi shuttles operating between the Silo area at the Waterfront and the Civic Centre, as well as between the Canal Promenade and the Civic Centre. These shuttles will run from 3:30 am to 1:30 pm. Participants will need to present their registration numbers to access this service. Before traveling, they should check the specific information regarding MyCiTi services.
Those traveling into the city should allow extra time for travel and check road closure information before leaving. Runners, meanwhile, need to know their start time and transportation arrangements. Cape Town's streets will look different this Sunday as runners traverse the city, exploring its history, attractions, and coastline. Planning will help everyone make the most of the day.