THOUSANDS of runners are expected to descend on Cape Town’s city centre this Sunday, 1 June to tackle the iconic Slave Route Challenge.

This will be the 13th edition of the race which will see about 8000 participants take on a  21km half marathon, a 10km walk or run and a 5km fun run.

The Slave Route Challenge follows a course steeped in Cape Town’s layered past, retracing the paths once walked by slaves and honouring the city’s heritage.

Starting on Darling Street, in front of the iconic City Hall, 10km participants go through District Six, Gardens, Bo-Kaap and back into the city centre for a finish on the Grand Parade.

Runners on the half marathon take on a similar route through District Six, Gardens, Bo-Kaap with an extra leg into Green Point before crossing the finish line on the Grand Parade.

The City of Cape Town has been providing support to the Slave Route Challenge for over a decade and continues the partnership for the 2025 edition.

“The Slave Route Challenge is more than just a race. It’s a journey tracing the history of Cape Town. It is an opportunity for participants to reflect on this history, while also leading a healthy lifestyle,” said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, JP Smith.    

The half marathon runners set off at 07:00 with the 10km races following at 07:30 and the 5km at 07:40.

The City would like to advise residents and motorists of road closures and the impact on traffic. For more information on road closures visit: https://bit.ly/4kv1wGU

Source: City of Cape Town