Sporting Events at the 2021 Knysna Oyster Festival

Gear up for a week of exhilaration, exertion and family fun in Knysna for the 2021 Knysna Oyster Festival. This year’s edition of the festival will take place from 9 – 18 July 2021. Kicking off our coverage of the annual festival, we’ve put together a clear-cut, easy to use calendar of sporting events for those attendees more action-inclined.

Friday 9 & Saturday 10 July 2021: Knysna Virtual Forest Marathon 2021

This year the Knysna Forest Marathon proceeds, but with a twist. There are 10km, 21.1km and 42.2km routes to choose from in the Knysna area or where the original marathon routes normally takes place. Athletes can run their selected distance anytime between 7 and 18 July 2021. Times must then be uploaded to your online profile at www.knysnamarathonclub.co.za.

Saturday 10 July 2021: Simola Night Golf Festival

Taking place at Simola Golf Course, 9 Holes of night golf played with flashing balls and lit-up greens. Open to registered and non registered golfers. Afterward enjoy live music and wine, craft gin and craft beer tasting.

Sunday 11 July 2021: Houtkapper Trail Run

9km, 15km and 27km routes in the Garden Route National Park, the lush forests of which were made famous by author Daleen Mathee. Runners will be taken past the Daleen Mathee memorial and the site of an 880 year old Yellowwood Tree.

Monday 12 July 2021: B2B Beach Run

Starting at either Brenton on Sea or Buffels Bay, embark upon a 5km or 10km walk or run along Brenton Beach, one of South Africa’s most beautiful beaches. A portion of the proceeds will go towards cleaning up the beach and the local NSRI station.

Tuesday 13 & Wednesday 14 July 2021: Urban X Trail Run & Obstacle Course

The first event of its kind in Knysna, a fun trail run containing 10 easy obstacles. Perfect for the whole family and doable for almost anyone. Taking place at Blackwaters River Lodge.

Wednesday 14 July 2021: Leisure Isle Night Adventure Race

Where orienteering, general knowledge and good times collide. Starting at Leisure Isle in Knysna, participants will have to find a number of locations marked on a map based off of multiple choice questions.

Thursday 15 & Friday 16 July 2021: KnysnaX Trail Run

A 1 day trail running event that takes place at Pezula Championship Golf Course. Choose from 11.7km, 14.2km, 24km routes or a 4.2km trail run for kids. The event forms part of the KnysnaX Trail Series which consists of 4 events over a year, one in each season.

Friday 16 July 2021: Sea 2 Tower
A trail run that begins in the heart of Knysna at sea level and ends at the very top of the Knysna Forest by the Buffelsnek Fire Tower. Choose from 3 challenging yet stunning routes: 32km, 40km and 48km.

Saturday 17 July 2021: Knysna Cycle Tour
The popular Knysna Cycle Tour kicks off on Saturday with the mountain bike events. There are 4 routes for cyclists to choose from: a family fun 15km, and then 30km, 50km and 80km routes starting off at Waterfront Drive.

Sunday 18 July 2021: Knysna Cycle Tour
There are two routes for the road race on Sunday, a 50km and a 100km. Both leave Knysna along the lagoon road towards George. Suitable for road bikes as well as mountain bikes.

Sunday 18 July 2021: Harbour To Heads
A canoe race from the Knysna Yacht Club to the Knysna Heads and back, 22km in total. There will also be a 11km short course for less experienced canoeists. Racing classes for this event are primarily singles K1 & surf ski1, however doubles and K3’s are also welcome.

Along with the above events, there will also be a number of exciting sporting activities on offer in and around Knysna. This includes a treasure hunt around the town, golfing at a number of different courses and trail running in the Garden Route Trail Park.

Keep an eye on our blog and our Facebook page for more updates on and events at the Knysna Oyster Festival 2021. If you haven’t had a chance to do so, make sure to book your accommodation as it’s filling up quickly. We look forward to welcoming you to our treasured seaside gem!