THE COURSE
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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.
Start Time 05H00
WHOLE ROUTE GPX
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SWIM COURSE - 5KM
Athletes will start on the jetty next to Sirocco at 05:00 and follow a clockwise direction towards Leisure Isle and the first turn point. The outgoing low tide will assist the athletes on the initial part of their swim. Once around the turn point, the tide should have little influence on the athletes as they make their way back past the swim exit at the SA National Parks Board slipway and to the second turn point in front of Laguna Grove. The final stretch of the swim will be back into a slight incoming current towards the finish at the SA National Parks Board slipway.
Low Tide - 06H11 | High Tide - 12H37
Cut-off time for the Swim is 07H30
*swim route may vary depending on current and tide on the day*
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CYCLE COURSE - 174KM (2,759m elevation)
Athletes will cycle through the Garden Route along the N2, passing through Sedgefield to the first checkpoint in Wilderness. A steep but short climb will lead them to the windy and stunning 7 Passes Road and into George itself. Once through George, athletes will ascend the Outeniqua Pass (800m high) and enter the dry, semi-arid Klein Karoo for a long stretch to T2 at Avontuur. A mix of humid conditions and dry heat will challenge athletes as they navigate long ascents, steep declines, mountain passes, and perfectly straight Karoo roads. With a total distance of 174 km and an elevation gain of just under 2,800 m, the cycling section of the race will push their limits.
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Cut-off time for the Cycle is 17H00
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RUN COURSE - 50KM (1,024m elevation)
The run course is entirely on Prince Alfred's Pass. Completed in 1867, Prince Alfred's Pass marks the last daunting stage of the Knysna Extreme. With an altitude gain of just under 1,000 meters, the run leg is the toughest and most challenging part of the triathlon. After an initial climb, athletes face a 720-meter descent over 17 kilometers along winding, narrow gravel roads, followed by two more intense climbs leading to the finish line at Diepwalle Forest Station.
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Cut-Off time for the Run is 24H00
