🏃‍♀️ Knysna Forest Marathon 2025: Where Nature, Community & Spirit Meet

🌲 A Scenic Route Through the Heart of the Garden Route
This year’s event featured a 42.2 km full marathon and a 21.1 km half marathon, with over 8,600 runners weaving their way through the ancient Knysna Forest. The route offers something few races can: forest trails, fynbos, and panoramic views over the Knysna lagoon and Heads.

Staying at a guesthouse near Knysna Waterfront gives runners and supporters the perfect base — within walking distance to the race action, shops, restaurants, and estuary cruises.

🏅 2025 Race Results at a Glance
Marathon (42.2 km):

🥇 Tsepo Mathibelle – 2:24:48
🥇 Dané Cronjé – 3:13:44
Half-Marathon (21.1 km):

🥇 Lloyd Bosman – 1:05:15
🥇 Ebeth Marais – 1:17:24

🦪 History of the Knysna Oyster Festival
Running annually since 1983, the Knysna Oyster Festival is one of South Africa’s best-loved winter celebrations. Originally launched to boost tourism in the off-season, the 10-day festival now attracts thousands with:

Live music and food markets
Family activities and adventure races
Legendary Knysna oysters — fresh, grilled, or with bubbly!
The Knysna Forest Marathon, introduced in 1984, remains the centrepiece of the festival's sporting events.

💛 A Run That Gives Back
One of the most heartwarming aspects of this event is its strong charity focus. This year, over R360,000 was raised through special charity entry tickets, with R500 per entry donated to local non-profits, including animal shelters, youth initiatives, and hospice care.

Over the years, the Knysna Oyster Festival and its affiliated events have raised more than R11 million for the Knysna community.

🎉 A Festival Atmosphere Worth Travelling For
After crossing the finish line, runners celebrated at the Knysna High School sports field, enjoying food stalls, live entertainment, and plenty of local flavour.

Guests staying at Knysna Manor House, a historic guesthouse in central Knysna, loved being able to walk to and from the event — no traffic, no stress, just festive energy and forest views.

If you’re searching for affordable Knysna accommodation during the festival, a centrally located guesthouse like ours offers charm, comfort, and convenience.

🗓️ Planning Ahead: Knysna Forest Marathon 2026
Next year’s event is expected to take place in early July once again — with entries likely opening early in the year. The race sells out quickly, as does most Knysna accommodation, so early booking is essential.

🏡 Why Stay at Knysna Manor House?
Located in the heart of town, Knysna Manor House offers:

A central Knysna guesthouse location, walking distance to the Waterfront, shops, and restaurants
Affordable 3-star accommodation with a touch of history
Free Wi-Fi, secure parking, and early breakfast options
Warm hospitality and personal service
📧 info@knysnamanor.co.za
📞 +27 (0)44 382 5885
🌐 www.knysnamanor.co.za

Book early for 2026 and experience the magic of Knysna during one of its most exciting times of year!