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.
5KM SWIM - 176KM CYCLE | 50KM RUN
Start Time 05H00
WHOLE ROUTE GPX
SWIM COURSE - 5KM
The race will start on the jetty next to Sirocco at 05:00 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 and to the second turn point near Laguna Grove. The final stretch of the swim will be with the outgoing current and towards the finish at the SA National Parks Board slipway.
Low Tide - 08H21 | High Tide - 02H23
Cut-off time for the Swim is 07H30
*swim route may vary depending on current and tide on the day*
CYCLE COURSE - 176KM (2,170m elevation)
The 2026 bike course follows a revised route along the Garden Route, starting in Knysna and heading west along the N2 around the Knysna Estuary before taking the turn towards Buffels Bay. Riders continue to the first turnaround point before returning to the N2 and heading towards Sedgefield, where they reach the second turnaround point. From there, athletes return through Knysna and continue towards Plettenberg Bay, following the N2 to Keurbooms for the final turnaround. The route then heads back through Plettenberg Bay town and onto Robberg Road, passing Plettenberg Bay Airport before rejoining the N2 towards Knysna. The final stretch takes riders back to Transition on Thesen Island.
Cut-off time for the Cycle is 17H00
RUN COURSE - 50KM (1,153m elevation)
The 2026 run course has been revised following the changes to the bike route while still delivering the iconic finish of the Knysna Extreme. Athletes will start their 50km run on Thesen Island, cross the Knysna Estuary via the old train bridge, and follow the old railway line to Belvidere. From there, the route continues along the road to Phantom Pass, before crossing the old Red Bridge and making its way alongside the N2 back towards Knysna. From Knysna, the course follows the same route as the 0.5 for most of the way to Diepwalle. Two sections take participants onto trails in the Knysna Forest: Terblans Trails and the Elephant Trails. The revised course remains every bit as demanding, combining challenging climbs, spectacular scenery and an unforgettable finish.
Cut-Off time for the Run is 24H00
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