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Said race director Rowyn James: "This certainly is welcome news for us and the City of Cape Town as the traditional route over the scenic drive is a major attraction for up country and international visitors, as well as the locals and means the event has potential to attract record fields across all the distances."
Entries are already up, particularly for the half marathon, which has 65% more entrants compared to last year at the same time and the race office is expecting to reach the maximum 11 000 entry mark before the closing date of March 4. Ultra entries traditionally come in at a slower rate as many of the runners still need to run their qualifying events during February and early March.
This year sees the event celebrate its 40th birthday as well as 10 years with the title sponsor. Over the years, this truly Capetonian event has earned the reputation as the world's most beautiful marathon.
The 26 runners who lined up to face the challenge back in 1970, probably had no idea they were starting something that has become a national institution and a favourite with local, upcountry, and international athletes.
The event attracts in the region of 26 000 participants across the ultra, half marathon and the fun runs, with 60% of the field coming from outside the Western Cape or overseas. It provides participants with a mixture of breathtaking scenery, a gruelling test of fitness for both the elite and recreational runner, and an unrivalled race organisation and atmosphere.
Title sponsor has planned a festival of events leading up to race day on Easter Saturday. Activities include a comedy festival featuring top local comedians, a family day of fun runs and activities at UCT on Good Friday and the Summer Sunset Concerts at Kirstenbosch.
