Planning ahead for some big sporting events

We have some fantastic annual sporting events held locally and set against the stunning backdrop of our famous mountain.

Many of these attract huge crowds of both participants and spectators from all over South Africa and beyond, which can involve some real advance planning to avoid disappointment.

Currie Cup Rugby – starts July 2011

The Currie Cup is one of the oldest competitions in world rugby. From July to October the country’s top provincial teams compete in South Africa’s premier national rugby event, with matches at the Norwich Park stadium in Newlands. The competition has taken various formats over the years and currently eight of South Africa’s top rugby Unions compete on a home and away round robin basis, with a semi final and final knock-out stage.

For fixture details, click here.

J&B Met, Kenilworth Racecourse – 29 January 2012

This is one of the top attractions on the Cape Town event calendar. If a day of glitz, glamour, festivities and horse races appeals to you, mark the J&B Met down on your list of things to do in Cape Town. With prizes for the best dressed couple, food, entertainment, drink, evening parties and a whole day of horse racing, the J&B Met is always a fantastic occasion; certainly a top Cape Town event. Facilities include a 5000 capacity marquee village and 184 picnic sites.

Every January, the prestigious J&B Met attracts crowds of 50,000 to the Kenilworth race course. In the early 1800s English soldiers from the Cape Garrison would race thoroughbreds, while the ladies would dress in all their finery. But in a bid to appeal to a younger dynamic audience, current sponsors J&B have introduced bold, unconventional, individual and glamorous outfits.

Central to the afternoon’s entertainment is the popular J&B Most Elegant Couple Competition. Sophisticated couples are invited to a pre-judging competition by fashion spotters from the Fashion Design Department of Cape Peninsula University of Technology. Entrants are then put through their paces and whittled down to 16 finalists.

Head on over to the J&B Met to see and be seen and perhaps, place a bet or two!

Cape Argus Pick n Pay Cycle Tour – 11 March 2012

The Cape Argus Pick ‘n Pay Cycle Tour is the largest timed cycling event in the world. Attracting in excess of 35 000 cyclists from around the globe each year, this prestigious event is definitely a unique experience for participants and spectators alike.

The majestic route starts in Cape Town’s city centre and takes you all around the scenic Cape Peninsula to the finish in Greenpoint. The distance is just over 100 km and along the way you will encounter great sea and mountain views, passing over the breathtaking Chapman’s Peak drive. The race is thoroughly enjoyed by thousands of spectators who line the route and add a very festive atmosphere to the whole occasion. Whether cycling, or a spectator the Cape Argus Pick ‘n Pay Cycle Tour is a memorable Cape Town event not to be missed.

The Cape Cycle Tour is open to anyone 12 years or older and attracts thousands of entries each year. Due to the popularity of this awesome cycling event in Cape Town, entries have to be sent in very early to avoid missing out on one of the greatest cycle events you will ever ride in. Entries for the 2012 open on 1 September 2011.

Two Oceans Marathon – 7 April 2012

The Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon and Half Marathon always take place on the Saturday of the Easter Weekend. The 2012 Two Oceans Marathon will be the 43rd consecutive running of this Cape Townevent. The half marathon offers competitors a challenging course while the ultra-marathon is a real test of endurance. Both races are very well supported with crowds offering encouragement all the way along the course. For the less active who still want to be part of this fantastic event there is also a 5k fun run (or walk).