Potch Braces for Temporary Road Closures Ahead of Potch 10km Race

Karen Scheepers
3 days ago
2 min read

Potchefstroom residents and commuters are advised to prepare for significant traffic adjustments as the city gears up for the Potch 10km Road Race and Post-Race Festival on Saturday, 21 March 2026. The event, which aims to showcase the city as a vibrant hub for sport and community engagement, will necessitate the temporary closure of several key arterial routes to ensure the safety of the expected influx of runners and spectators.

Scheduled Road Closures and Traffic Impact

To facilitate a safe racing environment, official road closures will be implemented starting from 16:00 on Saturday afternoon. Traffic officials and race marshals will be stationed at critical points to manage the flow of vehicles and assist residents in navigating the affected areas.

The following streets and landmarks are confirmed to be closed or heavily restricted:

Esselen Street
Molen Street
Rissik Street
Steve Biko Street
Postma Street
Calderbank Bridge

The official route map indicates that the race will utilize a circuit that touches major points near the North-West University (NWU) Potchefstroom Campus and the Mooi River. Residents living within the perimeter formed by President Street, Rissik Street, and Meyer Street should anticipate delays or limited access during the peak race hours.

Event Timeline and Sound Management

The festivities are centered at the JB Marks Cricket Oval, which serves as both the starting and finishing line. Organizers have released a detailed schedule to help the community plan their weekend:

Friday, 20 March: Possible sound checks will conclude by 20:00 to minimize noise pollution.
Saturday Morning: Final sound checks are scheduled between 10:00 and 14:00.
Saturday Afternoon: Gates open at 15:00, with the 10km race starting at 17:00, followed by the 5km race at 17:15.
Evening Entertainment: A post-race festival featuring Rooksein at 19:00 and Matthew Mole at 20:00 will take place at the oval, with all music and entertainment scheduled to conclude by approximately 21:30.

Community Cooperation

The organizers of the Potch 10km have expressed their gratitude for the community's patience and understanding. While the road closures may present a temporary inconvenience, the event is designed to bring the community together and promote physical wellness. Motorists are encouraged to use alternative routes where possible and to follow the directions of traffic marshals to ensure the event proceeds smoothly for all participants.

#Potch10km #RoadClosures #CommunityNotice

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