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. Faced with nearly 3,800m of ascent, athletes will pushed to their physical and mental limits.
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SWIM COURSE - 5KM
Athletes will start on the jetty outside The Knysna Experience at 05H00 and follow a clockwise direction heading towards Leisure Isle and the first turn point. The incoming high tide will force athletes to dig deep as they swim in this very unique location. Once around the turn point, the incoming high tide will assist the athletes immensely as they make their way from Leisure Isle, past SANParks, Knysna Yacht club and the turn point in front of Laguna Grove. The last stretch is back into the current to the finish at the SA National Parks Board slipway.
Low Tide - 01H16 | High Tide - 06H52
Cut-off time for the Swim is 07H30
*swim route may vary depending on current and tide on the day*
CYCLE COURSE - 174KM (2,759m elevation)
Athletes will cycle through the Garden Route along the N2 passing through Sedgefield and to the first checkpoint in Wilderness. A steep but short climb will take athletes to the windy and stunning 7 Passes Road and into George itself. Once through George, athletes will climb up and over the Outeniqua Pass (800m high) and into the dry and semi arid Klein Karoo for the long stretch to T2 at Avontuur. A variation of humid conditions and dry heat will challenge athletes as they battle up long ascents, fast declines, mountain passes and perfectly straight Karoo roads and with a total distance of 174km and elevation gain of just under 2,800m, the cycle section of the race will push your limits.
Cut-off time for the Cycle is 17H00
RUN COURSE - 50KM (1,024m elevation)
The run course is entirely on Prince Alfred's pass. Completed in 1867, Prince Alfred's pass, this 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 descent over 17 km along gravel windy and narrow roads before two more intense climbs leading to the finish line at Diepwalle Forest Station.
Cut-Off time for the Run is 24H00
