THE COURSE
Athletes will battle tidal currents in the Knysna Estuary, then cycle along the N2 coastal road, passing through Sedgefield, Wilderness and George before tackling the Outeniqua Pass. Temperatures will rise once athletes descend into the Klein Karoo, as scenery changes dramatically from lush green coastal vegetation to semi-desert. The run leg along Prince Alfred's Pass pushes athletes to their limits before the finish at Diepwalle Forest Station. Totalling nearly 3,300m of ascent, athletes will pushed to their physical and mental limits.
Swim Course
4 km
Athletes will start on the jetty outside Sirocco restaurant on Thesen at 05h00 and complete a clockwise route before finishing the swim up the SA National Parks Board jetty. An outgoing high tide current will force athletes to dig deep as they swim through in a very unique location.
Cut-off time for the Swim is 07h00 (2 hrs)
Cycle Course
170 km
2,460m altitude gain
Athletes will cycle through the Garden Route along the N2 and finish at Avontuur covering a distance of 170 km with an elevation gain of over 2,400 m. A variation of humid conditions and dry heat will challenge athletes as they battle up long assents, fast declines, mountain passes and perfectly straight karro roads.
Cut-off time for the Cycle is 17h00 (10 hrs)
Run Course
50 km
978m altitude gain
Completed in 1867, Prince Alfred's pass is the last daunting stage on the Knysna Extreme. With just under 1,000 m altitude gain, the run leg is the toughest and most challenging part of the triathlon. After an initial climb, athletes are faced with a 720 m decent over 17 km along gravel windy and narrow roads before challenging two more intense climbs before finishing at Diepwalle Forest Station 50 km later.
Cut-Off time for the Run is 24h00 (7 hrs)
