October 2025

Cape Town is about to host something truly extraordinary: the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon 2025, taking place on 18 and 19 October. This year is especially historic as the race is a candidate to become Africa’s very first Abbott World Marathon Major, joining the ranks of New York, Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago, Tokyo and Sydney. That means the eyes of the world will be on our city, and the V&A Waterfront is right in the middle of the action.

Road closures and exclusive parking at the V&A

Due to the significance of this major event, a few temporary disruptions will occur to Cape Town’s usual traffic routes. Road closures and parking restrictions will affect access across the Atlantic Seaboard, including parts of the V&A Waterfront neighbourhood, so please plan your routes from 17-19 October by viewing all road closures HERE.

As always, the V&A has you covered with helpful ways to park and get around. The Waterfront has the only public parking garages in the area, and we’re keeping our Silo District and Battery Park parking garages open for exclusive use by marathon runners only. From these garages, it’s about a 1.5km walk to the start line on Beach Road.

However, please take note that Dock Road (the main access road to the V&A Waterfront, off the freeway) will be closed from 05:45–07:45, so plan to get to the Battery Park and Silo District parking garages before 05:45. Also, be aware that no shuttles are available to the start line, so you will need to park with enough time to walk to your race. Cape Town Harbour gates will be open on event mornings, so use the detour routes through the harbour to bypass congestion on the N1 inbound.

Exclusive Cape Town Marathon runners’ parking will be available at Silo District and Battery Park on a first-come, first-served basis. Please do not attempt to access the other V&A Waterfront parking garages as these need to remain open for patrons, tenants and staff. Waterfront Security Management reserves the right to close these other parking garages should they see an influx of early morning parking-garage access.

Shuttles from the finish line

After the race, hop on a dedicated shuttle from the Green Point finish area back to your parking garage at Silo District or Battery Park. These shuttles will be running from 10am, and the last shuttle departs at 14:40. To make use of this convenient service, buy a shuttle ticket HERE.

Post-run entertainment

The V&A Waterfront isn’t just a place to park; it’s a neighbourhood in which to celebrate the achievements of our runners. Whether you’re a marathon champ refuelling after all of those kilometres on the road, or a supporter who’s worked up an appetite from cheering, our restaurants, cafes and bars are ready to welcome you with cheerful spirit.

Gear up with a pre-race coffee and pastries, grab a fresh juice on the go, or settle in after the marathon for a seafood feast, a wood-fired pizza or a well-earned glass of Cape Town wine.

Bring the whole family and enjoy between-race moments at the V&A, where there’s always live entertainment happening somewhere, or a myriad top attractions and exciting pedestrian routes to explore. And, of course, a whole lot of shopping…

Exclusive deals for marathon runners

Every runner deserves a prize! Show your race entry in these V&A Waterfront stores from 17-19 October to take advantage of our fabulous specials.

Kapten & Son: 15% off crossbody bags and sunglasses.
Destination by Frasers: 20% off backpacks and gear bags.
Faithful to Nature: 10% off purchases over R400.

Explore more special offers for everyone – on everything from running gear to sunglasses – at the V&A Waterfront SPRING SALES. Go on, reward yourself for all the hard work you’ve put into being marathon-ready.

Cape Town as a World Marathon Major

The Sanlam Cape Town Marathon is an exciting milestone for Cape Town and the African continent as we contend to be part of the World Marathon Majors.

The Abbott World Marathon Majors series is the pinnacle of long-distance running, uniting elite athletes and passionate amateurs in a shared pursuit of excellence. To see Cape Town join this world stage is to see our city, our champions and our diverse cultures celebrated globally.

So, while the roads may be a little different for a few hours, the reward is immense: a chance to cheer for greatness and to experience the buzz of an international sporting event, right here at home.

Come early, stay late, and celebrate with us at the V&A Waterfront.

https://capetownmarathon.com/