Cape Town’s best running routes

Posted on 1 July 2011

Cape Town is not necessarily an easy place to run. A lot of ups and downs along with gusty winds will often have you wondering: “Why am I doing this again?” But then something happens; you get a glimpse from the top of the hill, you see a rock kestrel hovering in mid-air, rays of light break through the clouds or maybe it’s just a stranger waving at you and all of a sudden you are happy. In fact you are so enthused that you can’t suppress a little skip and a cry of joy. This is why we run; for this simple and pure moment of joy.

These moments are hidden all over the peninsula and it is up to you to find them. This list should get you started on your quest for happiness.

Newlands Forest

This place feels like Neverland to me. There is just so much to discover: ruins, waterfalls, curious trees, rickety bridges and spectacular views. What I love about Newlands is that you never get lost. If you want to go further you run up; if you feel like you’ve had enough you run down and somehow you always end up in the parking lot.

Newlands also offers trails for all levels of running. Whether you like steep single track or wide and gentle jeep track through tall trees; Newlands has it. I really enjoy running up to the boardwalk part of the contour path and then finding a new way down.

Chapman’s Peak

This is probably one of the nicest pieces of tarmac anywhere in the world. The 9 km and 114 curves from Noordhoek to Hout Bay are a bit hilly, but with the breath-taking views of the Atlantic Ocean you will hardly feel the pain. If you park your car in Hout Bay, reward yourself with some fish and chips. If you end your run in Noordhoek, the pies from the Barnyard in Noordhoek Village are highly recommended.

Devil’s Peak

The bottom slopes of Devil’s Peak are great for some hill training with rewarding views. The area below the King’s Blockhouse connects to Tafelberg Road on the one side and Newlands Forest on the other. Most of the routes are jeep track, but just above the Blockhouse there is a beautiful piece of single track that eventually takes you down onto Tafelberg Road or up towards the peak.

The last corner before the Blockhouse has a little green gate that takes you towards Rhodes’ Memorial or into Newlands, which is always a worthwhile detour.

Atlantic Seaboard

The Sea Point Promenade is probably Cape Town’s most popular route. The 5.5 km between Granger Bay and Bantry Bay are flanked by green grass and stunning sea views. As this area is flat and free of cars it is popular with runners of all levels as well as dog owners and couples in love. If you are looking for an easy 10k with pretty views and loads of company, Sea Point is perfect.

A bit more challenging is the scenic route from Camps Bay to the top of Suikerbossie. The long and steady incline offers splendid sea views and with enough space beyond the yellow line it is easy to avoid cars and cyclists. It’s about 8 km from the southern end of the Camps Bay Promenade to the top of the hill, where you are rewarded with a view over Hout Bay Harbour.

Lion’s Head

Lion’s Head is God’s gift to all the outdoor enthusiasts who are trapped in City Bowl offices. The 669 m mountain is nice and close to the city and just the right size for a quick mission before or after work. An hour’s hike gets you to the top of Lion’s Head with stunning views of Robben Island and the Twelve Apostles.

From the parking lot on Signal Hill Road runners have several options. The ambitious can take on the 4.5 km ascent to the top of the hill. The trail circles upward with great views, a few scrambles and many hikers along the way. Running up Lion’s Head is a proper challenge, but standing on top of this beast is an ample reward.

An easier option is the 5.3 km circuit around the base of Lion’s Head. From the car park take the stairs to the right of the hut and follow the path towards Sea Point and keep right when it forks. You will eventually be spat out onto Kloof Road, from where you can run back up to the parking lot.

If you prefer running on tar take Signal Hill Road all the way to the view point. If the 3 km from the parking lot don’t suffice, connect it with the challenging climb up Kloof Nek or the scenic Tafelberg Road.

Boyes Drive and St. James

Nestled between the mountains and False Bay the area around St. James and Kalk Bay is a quaint and quiet haven about 30 minutes south of the city centre. The Muizenberg – St. James Walk takes you along the breaking waves, with fisherman, surfers and sometimes even whales en route. To mix it up and add some intensity to your run return via Boyes Drive or vice versa. The up and down of Boyes Drive will give you that little burn in your calves so consider rewarding yourself with some fish and chips at Kalkies or a sweet treat from the Olympia Bakery. If you end your run in Muizenberg, the Empire Café is a good breakfast option.

Two Oceans – The Ultimate Challenge

The world’s most beautiful marathon is also one of the toughest runs around. The Two Oceans belongs on every runner’s bucket list and will definitely be one of the most fulfilling accomplishments of your running career. I ticked the 56 km ultra-marathon off my list last year. I could hardly walk once I crossed the finish line, but the buzz lasted for days and the memories still make me smile when I travel along parts of the route.

Don’t be intimidated by the thought of running for 56 km over Chapman’s Peak and Constantia Nek. You don’t have to run it tomorrow. It does take dedication and preparation but it is a goal that will motivate you like little else. If you start preparing early and up the distance slowly you will be amazed at how far your legs can take you.

Run Everywhere

You don’t have to run far. You don’t have to run fast. Don’t run to lose weight or to impress other people; just run. Pounding the tarmac while the sun rises on the horizon or skipping over roots and stones in a cool forest will give you a sense of elation that is positively addictive.  Once your legs get comfortable running, they will want to take you everywhere; so why don’t you let them?

Run commuting is a great way to combine your exercise with a distance that you have to travel anyways. If you don’t have a shower at your workplace, just run back. If it is too far, get a ride halfway and run the rest. There is always a way if you really want to. Just make sure you have your breakfast waiting for you at the office.

So get over yourself and out of your car. There’s so much more to discover on foot!






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