Cape Town runs through history with the return of the Slave Route Challenge
24 May 2023
Cape Town, get ready for the return of the iconic Slave Route Challenge
celebrating the heritage of the Mother City and its iconic landmarks on Sunday,
28 May 2023.
After being halted in 2020 due to Covid-19, the Slave Route Challenge makes a return to the streets of our beautiful city, with the purpose of raising awareness about the history and heritage of Cape Town.
A historic part of Cape Town was built by those who were enslaved from Indonesia and Malaysia.
Many Capetonians can trace their ancestors back to this time.
The Slave Route challenge features several of Cape Town's iconic landmarks along the route, starting from the City Hall, through District 6, Gardens, Company Gardens, Wale Street, BoKaap, DHL Stadium, Fort Wynyard, CBD and back down Darling Street into the Castle of Good Hope and to the finish on the Grand Parade.
To accommodate the novice, occasional walker and the avid runner, the race offers several courses comprising of a 21km half marathon, a 10km walk or run and a 5km fun run.
'After a long hiatus, we are excited to welcome the Slave Route Challenge back to the City for its 11th edition, commemorating the heritage of Cape Town and highlighting the beauty of our city. It also plays an important role in promoting cultural diversity, social cohesion, reconciliation, peace and economic development within the Mother City. We look forward to seeing all Capetonians come together and take part in honouring Cape Town's history and the generations that have lived before us,' said the City's Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith.
Due to the various race routes, the following road closures will be in effect: Darling Street, Lower Buitenkant Street, Sir Lowry Road, Hanover Street with restrictions on Adderley Street, Buitengracht and Wale Street.
A full list of road closures can be viewed here: https://bit.ly/4207y96
Participating runners and walkers can look forward to a refreshments pit stop in BoKaap to enjoy a traditional Cape Malay Koesister!
End
Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office
