With another year of preparation and hard work behind them, the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon organisers are ready to celebrate the second edition of the relaunched race, and there are festivities, events and entertainment on offer for everyone at the annual weekend festival taking place from this Friday to Sunday (18 to 20 September).
Centred around Africa's only Silver Label road race, the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon is geared up to host a record field of runners and visitors, and organisers have ensured that spectators and local residents will be able to join in the festivities.
One of the key focus points for this year's race is the tremendous spectator value on offer, with marathon weekend expected to bring the Mother City to a halt.
Race ambassador Elana Meyer says: “The marathons in New York, London, Boston and others involve the communities in their respective cities, and we're hoping to achieve the same impact here. We call on all Capetonians and visitors to the city to join us in celebration of elite sport and healthy living.”
Free Sanlam Spectator Buses will be available for spectators who would like to follow the race, hopping on and off while experiencing the emotional battle faced by the runners.
The Sanlam Cape Town Marathon Expo, to be held at The Lookout at V&A Waterfront (Grainger Bay Parking Area) on 18 and 19 September, offers a variety of food and drink stalls in a market-like atmosphere, as well as festivities to keep people of all ages entertained. The marathon finish, at Green Point A Track, promises to be equally festive.
There are multiple other points of interest for spectators and runners along the route: Tsogo Sun Newlands Best Dressed Red Carpet – Main Road Newlands; District Six – just below CPUT; City Activation on the Grand Parade Cape Town; Community Chest Bree Street Takeover – Bree Street Cape Town; Over 30 activations and music stations, including bands and DJs and Cape carnival artists in Bree Street.
For those who are unable to join in the weekend festival, there is the additional opportunity to experience the event on live SABC broadcasts. Festivities at the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon Expo will be broadcast live for two hour on Saturday, 19 September from 10:00 to 12:00, and marathon race day will be televised live from 06:30 to 12:00 on Sunday, 20 September.
The race will also be showcased live on the race website www.sanlamcapetownmarathon.com