Cape Town motorists and residents can expect widespread traffic restrictions this weekend as the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon returns on Saturday, 11 April 2026, and Sunday, 12 April 2026. The ultra marathon will run on Saturday, while the half marathon follows on Sunday, with both events starting in Newlands and finishing at UCT.

The City of Cape Town has published an official road closure plan covering key areas including Newlands, Claremont, Wynberg, the Deep South, Constantia, Chapman’s Peak and roads near UCT. Chapman’s Peak Drive is due to close from 18:00 on Friday, 10 April, until 12:00 on Saturday, 11 April.

Two Oceans Marathon road closures will affect major routes

The official City of Cape Town closure notice shows that race-related restrictions begin early on both days. On Saturday, sections of Main Road from Newlands through Claremont, Wynberg, Diep River and Retreat will close from about 03:30, while parts of the route through the southern peninsula and Constantia Nek will close later in the morning as runners move through the course.

On Sunday, closures begin from 03:00 in Newlands and Claremont for the half marathon. The plan also includes restrictions on Protea Road, Paradise Road, M3 southbound, Kendal Road, Spaanschemat River Road, Ladies Mile Extension, Constantia Main Road, Parish Road, Southern Cross Drive and Rhodes Drive.

The City has also said the M3 near Union Avenue and UCT will remain partially open, with one lane reserved for athletes and another kept open for traffic heading towards Cape Town. Access to Rhodes Memorial and Kirstenbosch remains available during parts of the closure window, according to the official notice.

Race weekend brings thousands of runners to Cape Town

The Two Oceans Marathon has confirmed that the 2026 event takes place over 11 and 12 April. Organisers describe it as one of the world’s iconic running events, centred on the 56km ultra marathon and the 21.1km half marathon in Cape Town.

Your source article notes that marathon week attracts more than 30,000 participants and that over 4,500 international runners from 98 countries attended the event in 2025, underlining the race’s tourism and economic value for Cape Town. The article also attributes that assessment to the City’s safety and security MMC, Alderman JP Smith.

What residents and motorists should do

Residents are being urged to plan trips carefully, allow extra travel time and avoid the route where possible during closure periods. Official marathon information also advises runners and supporters to study closure maps, arrive early and use designated parking or shared transport where possible.

For people travelling around the city this weekend, the most important point is timing. The heaviest disruption is expected in the early morning and through midday on Saturday, and from pre-dawn to late morning on Sunday, depending on where runners are on the route.

Official and organiser responses

According to your source article, JP Smith said the event strengthens Cape Town’s position as a leading destination for sport and active lifestyle tourism and showcases the city’s ability to host major events.

Organisers have separately confirmed the 2026 race weekend and said planning was already under way after the event was locked in for 11 and 12 April 2026.