THE COURSE
NEW ROUTE FOR 2026
The initial 2026 route has been revised due to storm damage and ongoing road repairs affecting sections of the original course.
2.5KM SWIM | 100KM CYCLE | 30KM RUN
Start Time 05H00
WHOLE ROUTE GPX
SWIM COURSE - 2.5KM
Athletes will start on the jetty next to Sirocco at 05:05 and follow a clockwise direction towards the Knysna Heads and Leisure Isle. The outgoing current will help athletes get into the rhythm before the turn point. Once around the turn, athletes will then swim into the outgoing low tide as they head back and past the swim exit at the SA National Parks slipway.
Low Tide - 08H21 | High Tide - 02H23
Cut-off time for the Swim is 06H30
*swim route may vary depending on current and tide on the day*
CYCLE COURSE - 100KM (1,333m elevation)
Athletes will cycle along the Garden Route on the N2, around the Knysna Estuary, and ride to a turnaround point at Buffels Bay. From there, the course heads west towards Sedgefield before the final turnaround, with athletes returning to Transition on Thesen Island in Knysna. While the revised course is predominantly coastal, it still delivers a demanding ride with spectacular ocean views and the endurance challenge expected of the Knysna Extreme.
Cut-off time for the Cycle is 11H00
RUN COURSE - 30KM (807m elevation)
The 30 km run route takes athletes through the stunning Knysna Forest along Gouna Road to the finish line. With an altitude gain of just over 800 m, this leg of the Knysna Extreme 0.5 triathlon is the toughest and most challenging. After a steep initial climb to Simola Golf Course, athletes continue through the forest along narrow, winding gravel roads before facing an intense ascent that leads to the finish line at Diepwalle Forest Station.
Cut-Off time for the Run is 14H00
