The 2024 Knysna Forest Marathon

The 39^th running of the Knysna Forest Marathon has attracted approximately 7 000 runners for the 2024 edition, and about 800 of these will be on the starting line for the full marathon. The event is held annually during the 10-day Knysna Oyster Festival, which, this year, will offer over 75 events.

The organisers say the event offers several unique highlights found in no other race anywhere in the world. During the race, there are breathtaking views over the Knysna Lagoon and the iconic Knysna Heads, a famous landmark along the renowned Garden Route.

The weather factor

The weather on race day has always played a big factor, and event PRO Baily Neill says it will be no different this year.

“In Knysna, the biggest challenge is the weather. We can have four seasons in one day. Over the years, the race has experienced flooding to heat waves in the middle of winter, but we are well prepared. We have a great hands-on approach to do our best to accommodate any challenges,” says Neill. “Luckily, the weather is holding up (of late), so as long as we don’t have any big rain, the route will be the same this year for both distances. The marathon route is known to be tough, but a more beautiful route you will struggle to find.”

This year, runners will enjoy the benefit of a timing system upgrade. “Our timing system has had an upgrade, so the timing results will be more efficient and accurate,” Neill says.

“We are fortunate enough to have Bruce Fordyce giving a talk on the Friday at registration and welcoming runners in through the finish on Saturday,” he concludes.