Knysna Forest Marathon

the race offers several unique highlights found in no other race anywhere in the world. Much of the run takes place deep in the forest with a breath-taking view over the Knysna lagoon into The Heads, for inspiration towards the finish. One race tip is to start slow.

Although no one taking part has ever seen the elusive Knysna elephants, little piles of dung sometimes seen on the route are a reminder that they do inhabit the forest, somewhere. Keeping this pristine environment in mind and the potential impact of the race on it, all runners share rides into the forest provided by local taxis to the race start in a clearing in the forest, where runners arriving early are also treated to hot drinks and snacks next to warming fires.

Due to the early start of the race when temperatures in the forest are low, participants are encouraged to arrive dressed warmly, and any clothing discarded at the start or along the route will be donated to designated charities. This year race sponsor Momentum will also donate 2,000 extra blankets to keep runners cosy at the start, and to be donated to local communities after the race.