Described as tough yet beautiful, the Momentum Cape Times Knysna Forest Marathon will take place on Saturday 9 July as part of the Pick n Pay Knysna Oyster Festival which runs from 1 to 10 July 2016. With the Half Marathon entries already sold out, you have the opportunity to challenge yourself and take on the full marathon! Visitors can also look forward to more than 100 activities during the 10-day Festival, with a mixture of sporting and lifestyle events. With something for everyone, it is a week you won’t want to miss.
The Momentum Cape Times Knysna Forest Marathon, known as one of South Africa’s most sought-after running events, offers exceptional highlights found in no other race anywhere in the world – particularly the scenery as most of the run takes place deep in the forest. Whether you compete in the half (21km) or the full (42km) marathon , runners can expect breath-taking views over the Knysna lagoon towards the Knysna Heads, the perfect inspiration towards the finish.
Local taxis provide participants with a trip to the start like no other provided by local taxis. Early arrivals get to enjoy a hot drink and snacks next to warming fires, courtesy of Pick n Pay. Participants are encouraged to arrive dressed warmly due to the early start of the race when temperatures in the forest are bitterly cold.
As in previous years, Momentum will be donating 2,000 blankets to keep runners warm at the start. (First come first served, so come early). The added bonus is that once the race starts the blankets are then collected up and donated to charities supporting families in local communities in Knysna. There is also a great tradition of people leaving behind their warm clothing that they wore to the start. It would be great if runners could be encouraged to wear or bring kit to donate.
The Marathon substitutions end on 27 May and entries can only on the project website. Pricing is as Half Marathon entries cost R120 and Full Marathon entries cost R130, the Half marathon entries are unfortunately sold out but the Full package still has limited entries.
The annual Charity Entry sale will take place from 15 May with 150 half and 30 full marathon entries available until they are sold out. The designated charities this year are Vermont Old Age Home, Loerihof Old Age Home and Knysna Epilepsy. The proceeds from the sale of Charity Entries will be divided between these charities during a highly anticipated charity handover. Charity Entries will include a R500 donation to the designated event charities.
This year you can also expect the festival’s classic events such as the ever-popular road and mountain bike races in the Momentum Weekend Argus Cycle Tour, the Knysna Wine Festival and Night Market, mid-week signature events such as the Pick n Pay Knysna Oyster Festival Flavours of Knysna presented by Tabasco, Seafood Wednesday, the Pick n Pay Knysna Oyster Festival Chuckle (where comedy takes centre stage) and the Local Design and Food Market.
