Knysna Forest Marathon

Knysna Forest Marathon 2026 Course Analysis

Knysna Forest Marathon is a full marathon held in Knysna, South Africa, scheduled for Sunday 24 May 2026. The course is run on trail surface with 586m of total elevation gain, reaching a maximum altitude of 488m above sea level. For registration and full race details, visit the official Knysna Forest Marathon website.

Elevation Profile

This is a hilly course with 586m of total elevation gain. The route climbs from 4m to as high as 488m above sea level — a substantial 484m elevation range. Runners should train on hills and plan for a more conservative pacing strategy, especially on the climbs.

Expected Race Day Weather

Based on historical weather data for May, the expected race day conditions are as follows. Near-ideal running temperatures are expected, ranging from 9°C to 20°C. This temperature range is widely considered optimal for marathon performance, allowing efficient heat dissipation without cold-related issues. There is a low chance of rain (0%), so dry conditions are likely.

Surface Type: Trail

Knysna Forest Marathon is a trail race, meaning the course includes unpaved surfaces such as dirt, gravel, or forest paths. Trail surfaces are inherently slower than road courses due to uneven footing, technical sections, and often steeper gradients. Trail-specific shoes with good grip are recommended, and runners should expect a finish time 10-20% slower than their equivalent road marathon time.

How Difficult Is Knysna Forest Marathon?

Our difficulty rating for Knysna Forest Marathon is calculated using a model that combines elevation gain, temperature impact, and surface type. Use the difficulty calculator above to enter your target finish time and see exactly how many minutes this course would add or subtract compared to a perfectly flat, cool, road-based marathon. Faster runners and slower runners are affected differently by the same course conditions, so the difficulty is personalised to your pace.

Looking for an easier marathon or a tougher challenge? You can also compare Knysna Forest Marathon against other marathons to find the right race for your goals.