The Cape Point Triathlon takes place in Simon's Town on Sunday, 25 October 2026, with the first race starting at 07:00. Expect a busy waterfront, marshalled access and traffic restrictions from 07:00 to 12:00. You can still visit the town, but leave extra time and follow the directions of event marshals.

Updated 21 October 2026. All times are South African Standard Time. This guide combines the organisers' published information with the local access notice shared with Aqua Terra. Race-day instructions and any updated organiser notices take priority.

What is happening over the weekend?

Event setup begins on Saturday, 24 October. Sunday's swim starts and finishes at the False Bay Yacht Club slipway, with transition in the club's parking area. The finish is on the jetty at the bottom of Wharf Street. Packing up is expected to be complete by about 18:00 on Sunday.

The local notice reports more than 450 entered athletes and estimates at least 900 athletes and accompanying visitors altogether. That is an organiser estimate, but it is a useful reason to plan parking and meals before arriving.

Golden sunrise over False Bay, with rocks and a bench along the shore

An early morning view across False Bay. This local photograph illustrates the setting, not race-day conditions.

Sunday's planned timetable

07:00: Ultra start and bike-route lane restrictions begin.
08:30: Standard start.
09:45: Sprint start.
10:30: The local notice expects the swim activity to be finished.
12:00: Athletes are due off the bike course and the road is planned to reopen in both directions.
14:00: Prize giving begins. The athlete guide describes the run course closing from its furthest point at this time.
15:00: Prize giving and the event are expected to finish.
About 18:00: Event pack-up is expected to be complete.

These are planning times for visitors. Athletes should use the official athlete guide and their briefing for check-in, transition access and course requirements. Do not treat the public timetable as a substitute for race instructions.

Where can you park?

Cole Point Parking lot is scheduled to be open to the public from 05:00 to 22:00 on both Saturday and Sunday, according to the local notice. Allow time to find a space and reach your viewing point. Opening hours do not guarantee a space will be available.

Jubilee Square remains open, with marshals managing vehicle movements while athletes start the run leg. The False Bay Yacht Club parking area is being used for transition, so do not plan on it as ordinary visitor parking.

At the jetty, the parking spaces closest to the water will be blocked off. Please keep entrances, side roads and the race route clear, and follow marshals rather than assuming your usual parking spot will be accessible.

Road access and driving through Simon's Town

The local notice describes the bike route in the seaside lane between Simon's Town and the Plateau Road and Redhill Road intersection. The run uses the seaside pavement and part of the wide lane, turning near the Lower North Battery and Dido Valley Road. Marshals will help motorists accessing side roads and parking on that side.

The organiser's traffic information provides for cyclists using the ocean-side lane in both directions, with vehicles directed along the mountain-side lane towards Simon's Town. Runciman Drive is the designated detour for access through town. Partial closures and stop-go controls are expected south towards Cape Point.

If you have a transfer, restaurant booking or onward journey, build in a generous buffer. Tell your driver that a triathlon is taking place and check the organiser's latest traffic update before leaving. Avoid scheduling a tight drive through the course area during the morning.

Watching the race at the waterfront

The swim activity is planned for 07:00 to 10:30 at the False Bay Yacht Club slipway. Use designated spectator areas and respect restricted athlete spaces around the swim start and transition.

The finish line is on the Wharf Street jetty. The local notice says pedestrians can access the whole jetty, while vehicles can travel as far as the Cape Town Boat Company desk, under marshalled control. Pedestrian access does not mean the race course is a place to stand: leave clear room for finishers and event staff.

Choose a meeting point with your athlete before the start. Keep crossings and pavements clear, supervise children closely around moving cyclists and runners, and follow directions even if they change your preferred route.

Coffee, breakfast and a post-race meal

The organisers have thanked restaurants and coffee shops that are accommodating athletes and spectators, including businesses planning an earlier opening. Check directly with your chosen venue for Sunday's hours, early coffee and any booking arrangements. An event notice does not confirm that every restaurant will open early.

For a relaxed day, make one meal booking and leave the rest of your schedule flexible. Spectators may want breakfast after watching a start, while athletes should plan their own pre-race food around their briefing and start time.

Staying at Aqua Terra for the weekend

Aqua Terra Boutique Guesthouse offers a hillside base above False Bay in Murdoch Valley, with five suites, secure onsite parking and an infinity pool. We welcome guests aged 12 and older. Plan transport between the guesthouse and the event area, allowing for the morning's access controls.

Our usual breakfast hours are 08:00 to 10:00. Our guesthouse FAQ covers more practical stay details. If you are racing early, discuss your plans with us in advance rather than assuming an early breakfast service. Standard check-in is from 14:00 and check-out is at 11:00, so consider Sunday's traffic when arranging departure.

Check Aqua Terra's availability and book directly, or contact us on WhatsApp to discuss your stay.

Frequently asked questions

Will Simon's Town be completely closed?

No. The event information describes managed access, detours and partial traffic restrictions. Expect delays from 07:00 to 12:00 and follow marshals at affected roads and parking areas.

Can non-athletes use Cole Point parking?

Yes. The local notice says it will be open to the public on Saturday and Sunday from 05:00 to 22:00, subject to spaces being available.

What time will the event finish?

Prize giving is planned for 14:00 to 15:00, with packing up expected to finish around 18:00. Road restrictions for the bike course are planned to end at 12:00. Check for updates on the day.

Can I still plan a Cape Point or Boulders visit?

Allow for traffic management through Simon's Town and towards Cape Point. An afternoon visit may be easier to fit around the race, but check the latest route information and each attraction's opening hours before making a firm plan.

Check the latest organiser information

For final details, see the official Cape Point Triathlon website and official athlete guide. Parking, jetty access and setup details above also draw on the organisers' local community notice forwarded to Aqua Terra. This is a visitor guide from Aqua Terra, not an official race instruction.