As the 2024 Sanlam Cape Town Marathon approaches, one key goal for the event is a car-free route, a crucial criterion for the World Marathon Majors (WMM) assessment. To help organisers achieve this milestone, several roads along the marathon route will be designated as no-parking areas on race day, Sunday, 20 October 2024.

The no-parking zones cover a large portion of the city, including the Atlantic Seaboard, CBD, District Six, Mowbray, Newlands, Claremont, Rondebosch, Observatory, Salt River, and Woodstock. This measure is aimed at avoiding the parking issues that affected last year’s race, which resulted in a lower score from WMM officials.

Alderman JP Smith, Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, has called on Cape Town residents and visitors to support the effort. “In 2023, parked cars along the route were a significant problem. This year, we are asking everyone to help us ensure the Cape Town Marathon hits the mark. Please avoid parking in the designated areas leading up to and on race day.”

The City’s Events Coordination Committee has worked closely with race organisers to create a safe, secure, and car-free marathon route. For residents who rely on street parking, alternative secure parking arrangements are being made.

A full list of no-parking areas and road closures is available here.

Should the Cape Town Marathon meet the criteria, it will join the prestigious ranks of the World Marathon Majors, becoming the first marathon in Africa to achieve this status. Let’s work together to make it happen!

Photo credit for City Hall: Cape Town Marathon ©Mark Sampson