Cape Cycle Tour

The idea for the Cape Argus Pick 'n Pay Cycle Tour can be traced back to 1978, when Bill Mylrea and John Stegmann organised the Big Ride-In to draw attention to the need for cycle paths. The Ride-In, held under the auspices of the Western Province Pedal Power Association, was very well received and drew hundreds of cyclists, including the Mayor of Cape Town.

The Tour  is the world's largest individually timed cycle race, annually drawing over 35 000 cyclists including some 3000 foreign entrants, to a gruelling 109km route around Cape Town’s breathtakingly spectacular peninsula.

The tour starts in Cape Town before winding its way along False Bay towards Cape Point, then moving along the Atlantic coast over scenic Chapman's peak. A tour expo takes place in the days leading up to the event, as well as a Junior Tour and Tricycle Tour for the younger enthusiasts. There are approximately 16 refreshment stations and 6 medical points along the route (see route map). A team of at least 2500 volunteer from a variety of organisations ensures that all operations run smoothly and efficiently on the day. A carnival incorporating hospitality tents, entertainment and guaranteed fun awaits the cyclists, their families and friends at Greenpoint Stadium. (Photos: Slingshot Media)

Two Oceans Marathon

As its name suggests, the marathon takes in two oceans, the Indian and Atlantic Oceans, and continues along a breathtaking route to its triumphant finish at UCT's Upper Campus on the slopes of Table Mountain. A mixture of breathtaking scenery, a grueling test of fitness and the unrivalled atmosphere are just some of the components which combine to present this hugely popular event.

Every year on Easter Saturday is the Cape's most famous road-race, offering runners the opportunity to travel alongside our famous coastline. The race starts at the foot of Table Mountain in leafy suburbia, before winding along the False Bay coast towards Chapmans Peak and the challenging Constantia Neck.Crowds gather from early in the day to offer refreshments and encouragement, cheering the runners through the last stretch of grass towards the finishing line.

The race is not just about the ultra-marathon, which was its only race when it began. A half-marathon is now part of the event and has become extremely popular. In fact, it is the largest half-marathon in South Africa. In 2009, the entry for the 21.1-kilometre event was a record 12 000 people. (Photos: Shawn Benjamin Photography)

The Cape Town International Jazz Festival

The Cape Town International Jazz Festival has grown into a hugely successful international event since its inception in the year 2000. Attendance figures have increased from the initial 14 000 to 32 000 in the last ten years, ranked among the best jazz festivals in the world, more than 40 international and local artists to perform over two days on five stages has earned it the status of being the most prestigious event on the African continent.

"The formula of the Cape Town International Jazz Festival is simple: bring jazz together with its popular music siblings," festival director Rashid Lombard said in a statement on Tuesday. "The 33 356 people who attended the 2007 festival is proof that this is a winning formula."

Music festival website Melodytrip now ranks the Cape Town International Jazz Festival ahead of Switzerland's Montreaux Festival and Holland's North Sea Jazz Festival, a rating organisers attribute to the presentation of varied musical styles, and a good mix of local and international artists, under one festival roof.