Knysna Forest Marathon 2025 Logo (white)

WELCOME TO THE ANNUAL
KNYSNA FOREST MARATHON

The Knysna Forest Marathon features many unique highlights that cannot be found in any other trail run in the world. True to its name, most of the route runs deep into the Knysna Forest with breathtaking views over the estuary and even the iconic Knysna Heads, a great distraction to get you through those last few kilometers.

  • CHARITY ENTRIES

    20 January until sold out
    Avoid the rush, secure your place early, and support our nominated charities.

  • LOYALTY ENTRIES

    31 January - 09 February 2024
    This includes all previous race entrants for the year 2024.

  • GENERAL ENTRIES

    10 February - 25 May 2024
    (or until sold out)
    For everyone else who wants to run the Knysna Forest Marathon.

LIMITED SPACES AVAILABLE!

WhatsApp Image 2022-08-17 at 16.08
42KM
FULL MARATHON
05 July 2025
07:00 AM
R 290.00
WhatsApp Image 2022-08-17 at 16.07
21KM
HALF MARATHON
05 July 2025
08:00 AM
R 270.00

IMPORTANT THINGS you need to know

ENTRIES
  • Entries will be available online – on this official Marathon website – ONLY.
  • NO entries will be sold after closing date or at registration.
  • Entries will be limited to 1 250 for the full marathon, and 6 500 for the half marathon.
  • Only 150 Half and 30 Full Marathon Charity entries will be available.
  • Charity entries are R770 for the Half and R790 for the Full Marathon (excluding temp number fees), of which R500 will go directly to our nominated charities.
  • Loyalty Entries – All runners who entered in 2024 will have first choice to enter the 2025 Event. Your ID number will be compared to our list to be able to make an entry.
  • Runners not licensed by ASA for the current year will need to purchase a temporary ASA running license available with the online entry at an extra cost of R45.00
  • Several payment options are available from the online entry portal including Card
    and EFT.
  • Confirmation of your entry will be emailed as soon as payment has been received.
  • Race numbers will be confirmed mid-June by email to all successful entrants. This race number confirmation must be produced at registration along with proof of ID.
SUBSTITUTIONS
  • Window: 29 Jan to 29 May 2025.
  • Process: Withdraw and get an 85% refund if substituted. A 15% admin fee applies.
  •  
REGISTRATION
  • Registration and number collection will be open from l0h00 to 22h00 on Friday 04 July 2025 (This is subject to change) at the Knysna High School Sport Field on Waterfront Drive. (Please use the main entrance on the opposite side of Waterfront drive.)
  • There will be no registration or number collection on Saturday morning. No exceptions. 
  • The race number confirmation together with positive Photo identification such as an ID book or a driver license must be produced at registration.
  • NO POSITIVE ID, NO RACE PACK.
  • T-shirts not collected in Person at Registration will be sold on behalf of our Charities on the Saturday. No T-shirts will be posted or kept for entrants not collected at Registration.
  • At registration you will receive your race number (with timing chip), t-shirt (if ordered), and final instructions.
RACE DETAILS
  • Taxis start leaving from Vigilance Drive at 04h30. Last taxi leaves at 06:00. Traffic gets very backed up with all the runners trying to get to the taxis. DO NOT BE LATE!
  • There will be free tea, coffee and biscuits for all athletes at the start.
  • A tog bag vehicle will be on hand to transport your tog bag with your tag back to the finish venue. Please do not leave any valuable items in your tog bag. Bags will be available for collection from l0h00 in the main Registration area. We cannot account for loose items like clothing if they are not in a tog bag with a tag.
  • There will be free tea, coffee and biscuits for all athletes served in the Bedouin tent.
  • The 42.2km starts at 07h00 and the 21.1km starts at 08h00.
  • Timing starts when you cross the start line (mat to mat timing). 
  • Water and other suitable refreshments will be provided at approximately 3km intervals on the route as well as at the finish
  • Distance markers will be placed on the right-hand side of the route at every km
  • Cut-off times:
    21.1km = 3 ½ hrs
    42.2 km= 5 ½ hrs
  • NOTE: This race is NOT a comrades qualifier

AFTER THE RACE
  • To celebrate the 40th running of the event a unique shield will be available to the first 150 finishers in the 42.2km;
  • Silver medals will be given to the first 800 finishers and bronze medals for the rest who finish the 42.2km
  • All 21km finishers will receive a bronze medal.
  • Prize giving and lucky draws will commence at the finish venue at 12h30.
  • You must be present to be eligible for the lucky draw prizes. The organizers decision is final in awarding the lucky draw prizes.
  • Prize and Lucky draw Money will be paid to your bank account by way of EFT.
  • Prize Money will only be paid out once the race results have been verified.
RULES & REGULATIONS
  • Held under the rules of ASA and ASWD. All competitors must comply with the rules, regulations and instructions given by officials, marshals, and traffic officials.  Non-compliance may lead to disqualification.  The Race Referee’s decision is final.  The Race Organizer reserve the right to accept / reject any entry received.
  • Club Colors: 2025 ASA Registered Athletes must participate in their correct club colors. If you are a registered runner and want to run in a costume you will need to purchase a Temporary License at a cost of R 45.
  • Minimum Age:
    21.1 km = 16 yrs 
    42.2 km= 20 yrs.
  • No Private vehicles will be allowed on the race route or near the Start area in the Glebe. The provided Taxi service is the only way to get to the Race Start.
  • No seconding will be allowed on the routes due to access restrictions.
  • Movement of emergency vehicles: For safety reasons and to prevent delays in deploying emergency vehicles the use of personal music players (ASA Rule 34.10.6), Animals (ASA Rule 34.10.1), or Wheelchairs (ASA Rule 34.10.4) are NOT allowed. Any person using such device shall not be eligible for prizes and will be disqualified without a warning and will be removed from the route.
  • Medical support will be available at the Finish venue as well as at certain points on the routes. Medical staff may remove a runner from the course should they have reason to suspect that continuing might pose increased health risks to the runner.

Disclaimer – The organizing body reserves the right to alter these rules and regulations to comply with updated National rules and regulations as published by ASA and Provinces from time to time.

NO REFUNDS! Should the race not be able to go ahead, a virtual event will be arranged.

KNYSNA MARATHON CLUB CANNOT BE HELD LIABLE FOR ANY PERSON WHO GETS SICK OR INJURED DURING THE REGISTRATION FOR OR ANY ASPECT OF TAKING PART IN THE EVENT. KNYSNA MARATHON CLUB WILL PUT IN PLACE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES TO KEEP THE RUNNERS AND ORGANIZERS SAFE AS FAR AS POSSIBLE.

INDEMNITY / DISCLAIMER

By entering this event I undertake to be bound by the rules and regulations of the event including those of WA and ASA. I warrant that I am in good health and aware of the risks and dangers and physical nature of this sporting event, and do not claim ignorance of these risks and dangers. I hereby accept that I participate in the event entirely at my own risk and I release and discharge, to the fullest extent allowed in law, the organizers of the event, all sponsors, persons and organizations assisting in the staging of the event, provincial and national athletics bodies and all local authorities from any responsibility, liability or costs relating to any injury, loss or damage of whatever nature, however caused, arising directly or indirectly from my participation in the event including pre- and post-race activities. I further agree and warrant that if at any time I believe conditions to be unsafe, I will immediately discontinue further participation in the activity.

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Long-sleeve Event Shirts are available for purchase online with race entries. R280 each

A limited amount might also be available for purchase at the Knysna Forest Marathon registration and on race day.

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Special Edition Short-sleeve Event Shirts are available for purchase online with race entries. R220 each

A limited amount might also be available for purchase at the Knysna Forest Marathon registration and on race day.

How to book:
1. Select your required dates and click search (Dates can be changed).
2. Accommodation establishments with availability over the selected dates will appear.
3. Click book and follow the booking process.

YOUR FAVOURITE MARATHON

in the iconic Knysna Forest

Red and White Running Sporty Collage Canada Sports Facebook Post (7)
04 July 2025
10:00 - 22:00
Knysna High School Sports Field
Red and White Running Sporty Collage Canada Sports Facebook Post (6)
05 July 2025
04:00 - 14:00
Knysna High School Sports Field
  • EXPO

    The Expo, located inside the Registration Tent, is the main attraction on Registration Day. This is an excellent platform for everything from businesses related stands to running equipment, apparel, and accessories.

  • MARKET

    Our Market comes alive on Race Day, offering a variety of items to participants and spectators. Expect a bustling atmosphere and a large crowd. The market is also open on Registration Day, with a more spread-out flow of visitors throughout the day.

  • APPLICATIONS

    Stall applications for the Knysna Forest Marathon will be open from 1 March to 31 May 2025 and are subject to approval.

2025 KNYSNA FOREST MARATHON PARTNERS & SPONSORS

2025 CHARITIES

PHOTO GALLERY

Action Photo SA is our official race photographer.

Images can be ordered from their website after the event.

GET IN TOUCH