Oh Cape Town how can any city in Africa be more beautiful? It is springtime in the fairest Cape of all. The redesigned route is one of the flattest marathons on the South African calendar and is arguably the first truly global city marathon experience in the country. Full of potential, stunning beauty and big city charm. Your PB lies in this one. You may feel a slight pull in the legs as you start this race, but don’t be alarmed it is only for a short distance and it is not very steep. The opening stages of this picturesque route take you through the City of Cape Town and into the leafy southern suburbs.
Before you hit the halfway mark there is some work to be done as you pass into the shadow of Devil’s Peak. Here you run past the famous landmarks - the pristine Liesbeek River, The Rondebosch Common, the Newlands Cricket ground, Groote Schuur and the University of Cape Town. The second half is slightly faster as you return to the City under the ancient watch of Table Mountain. Before this route is done you venture into District Six and run into the City Centre. The route has some memorable sections as it meanders past some of Cape Town’s iconic landmarks.
The closing stages may well be easy but spend a while absorbing the Mother City as you pass the Castle of Good Hope, the Cape Town City Hall and the Houses of Parliament. The distance starts to bite now as you run along the Fan Walk and the Sea Point beachfront. The route remains flat and easy along Beach Road, with the smell of the sea giving you renewed energy. Three Anchor Bay is nestled at the foot of Signal Hill with wide lawns and a sweeping view of the cold Atlantic. Out to sea shimmers Robben Island, that infamous home to political prisoners in years past. The promenade takes the scenic route to Sea Point as you check your time and think of your goal, a PB. For in truth, the race is drawing to an end. A quick swing for home and the last kilometre propels you to the end of this most memorable marathon. The finish line lies outside beautiful precincts of the Cape Town Stadium.