Knysna Marathon Club
Knysna, Western Cape · Since 1984

Run where theforest meets the lagoon

Home to some of South Africa's best-loved marathons — the Knysna Forest Marathon and The Heads Marathon among them. Surrounded by ancient forest, mountain and estuary, we don't think there's a better place to run.

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Runners taking part in the Knysna Houtkapper event
Our Story

A club built
around this coastline

Situated in beautiful Knysna, the Knysna Marathon Club has been operational since 1984 and boasts some of South Africa's top marathons, including the Knysna Forest Marathon and The Heads Marathon.

Surrounded by breathtaking scenery and the beautiful estuary, we truly believe you won't find a better place to run — whether you're chasing a personal best or running your very first time trial.

Read our full history
Runners on the Knysna estuary path
“Don't dream of winning, train for it.”
— Mo Farah
On the Calendar

Our races

Five races through forest, along the lagoon and on the coast — each with its own distance options for every kind of runner.

Knysna Heads Marathon 01

Knysna Heads Marathon

Date — 14 February 2026 Location — Thesen Island
Learn more
Knysna Forest Marathon 02

Knysna Forest Marathon

Date — 04 July 2026 Location — The Glebe
Visit race site
Runners taking part in the Houtkapper Trail Run 03

Houtkapper Trail Run

Date — 05 July 2026 Location — Quinta da Montanha
Learn more
Waterfront Half Marathon 04

Waterfront Half Marathon

Date — 14 November 2026 Location — Knysna Waterfront
Learn more
10km Nite Race 05

10km Nite Race

Date — 16 December 2026 Location — Loerie Park
Learn more
Knysna Marathon Club shirt Knysna Marathon Club full kit with shorts
Our Kit

Wear the
Loerie with pride

The official club kit comprises a lime green running vest with the wording "Knysna Marathon Club" and the Loerie logo. Pants must be black — with an option for black pants featuring the Loerie print. Club colours must be worn at official events where Knysna Marathon Club is represented, as per ASA rules.

Clothing can be purchased at Time Trial on Thursday evenings. Alongside our standard kit, we also stock tracksuits, hoodies, caps and jackets.

Every Thursday

Time Trial

Time Trial takes place at the club every Thursday evening. The club is open from 17:00, with options for a 3km or a 5km. The route heads down George Rex Drive to the red brick road, then follows the lagoon path for an out-and-back.

Everyone is welcome to attend. Why not enjoy a cold beverage after the time trial, or stay on for one of the braais and merit evenings we host for members? These are shared in advance via our WhatsApp group and monthly newsletter.

R0
Free to attend, all welcome
3 / 5
km distance options
SeasonRunners startWalkers start
Summer
1 Nov – 28 Feb		17:4517:30
Autumn
1 Mar – 30 Apr		17:4517:30
Winter
1 May – 31 Aug		17:3017:15
Spring
1 Sept – 31 Oct		17:4517:30

The club opens from 17:00 each Thursday, ahead of the listed start times above.

Join Us

Become a member

Registration takes place every year in January. Contact us if you'd like to become a member and we'll let you know the time and date.

Want to join outside of the annual registration date? Request a registration form and email it back to us along with your proof of payment.

Request a registration form

Renewing member

R350/ year

Includes your ASA registration and ASWD timing chip.

New member

R650/ year

Includes ASA registration, ASWD timing chip and your official club running vest.