About the race
The Knysna Forest Marathon is an annual race in Knysna that offers a 42.2 km marathon and a 21.1 km half marathon. The organiser says most of the route runs deep into the Knysna Forest, with views over the estuary and the Knysna Heads for those in the final kilometres.
The 2027 edition
The organiser lists the race for Saturday 3 July 2027, with the marathon starting at 07:00 and the half marathon at 08:00. Timing is mat to mat, so the clock starts when a runner crosses the start line. The organiser notes that the race is a Comrades Marathon qualifier.
The course
Distance markers appear on the right-hand side of the road at every kilometre, and water and refreshments are provided about every 3 km. A tog bag vehicle carries bags from the start to the finish venue, and free tea, coffee and biscuits are served at the start. Runners get to the start by taxi, which leaves from Vigilance Drive between 04:30 and 06:00.
Cut-offs
The cut-off is 3.5 hours for the half marathon and 6 hours for the marathon.
Entry basics
All entries are online through the official website. No entries are sold after the closing date or at registration. Fields are limited to 1,250 for the marathon and 6,750 for the half. Entry runs in three windows: charity entries from 1 December 2026 until sold out, loyalty entries from 11 to 24 January 2027 for everyone who entered in 2026, and general entries from 25 January to 23 May 2027, or until sold out. Charity places are capped at 150 for the marathon and 300 for the half, and a portion of each fee goes to the nominated charities. Runners without a current ASA licence buy a temporary one with their entry. Race numbers are confirmed by email in mid-June. Substitutions are accepted between 25 January and 23 May 2027, with a 15 percent admin fee.
Registration
Registration and number collection takes place on Friday 2 July 2027 from 10:00 to 22:00 at the Knysna High School sports field on Waterfront Drive, subject to change. There is no registration on Saturday morning, and runners need their confirmation and photo ID to collect a pack. An expo operates inside the registration tent.
Where to watch
The organiser's pages point to the Knysna High School sports field as the hub: it hosts registration, the expo and a market, and the sports field is open from 04:00 on race day. Check the organiser for roadside viewing points along the forest route.
Weather
July is mid-winter in the Southern Hemisphere. The start is at 07:00, and the organiser provides hot drinks at the start for runners waiting for the gun.
SourcesKnysna Forest Marathon home