Knysna Oyster Festival 2024 is going to be a sports extravaganza, presented by Food Lover’s Market the Oyster Festival will give all a thrilling experience from June 21 to 30.
The festival will be an exciting programme including spectacular trail runs, challenging bike races, canoe races, street soccer, martial arts and more.
This year, the organisers have revealed an electrifying line-up of sports events that promises to captivate athletes, thrill-seekers and spectators.
Here’s the complete list of the events that will take place at the festival:
Knysna Forest Marathon
The first and foremost festivity that will kickstart is the iconic ‘Knysna Forest Marathon’ and Half Marathon that will take lead on June 22, 2024 and will offer an unparalleled running experience amidst the breath-taking landscapes of the Knysna Forest.
At the Marathon, the visitors will get to watch scenic views of the estuary to the majestic Knysna Heads at every step of the way considering adventure and beginning the early morning to start deep in the forest.
Knysna Marathon Club this year has also introduced a 5km ‘Fun Run’ which will start and finish at the Knysna High School Sport Field.
Houtkapper Trail Run
After conducting the marathon, the trailblazers on June 23, 2024 can embark on a journey through nature’s playground with the Houtkapper Trail Run.
The trail will cover routes varying lengths such as 9km, 15km and 27km with the increasing difficulty levels. The participants will further navigate through the lush forest trails, soaking in the splendour of Krisjan-se-Nek and the inspirational Daleen Matthee Big Tree along the way.
An Amazing Race – Knysna Style: Teams of two will compete for fantastic prizes on a scenic route that includes some iconic sites and venues.
The fun race on June 26, 2024 will require a combination of skills that will include speed, agility, strength, strategy, courage and endurance. The Start and finish of the race will remain same at the Castle Beer Tent, Oyster Festival Hub.
Oyster Festival Street Soccer Tournament
The audience will get to witness the pulse-pounding action of the Oyster Festival Street Soccer Tournament on June 26, 2024. The tournament aims to foster soccer development while delivering non-stop excitement through exhilarating five-a-side matches.
KnysnaX Trail Series Winter Run
The winter run will gather adventurers on June 27, 2024. It will feature three thrilling distances and scenic routes and will include spectacular bridge crossings and breath-taking vistas along the Knysna Railway, as the event promises an unforgettable experience for all participants.
Simola Sunset Wine Run
Here’s an amazing event for the Wine enthusiasts and fitness fanatics that will unite for the Simola Sunset Wine Run on June 27, 2024.
Considering the beauty of the Simola Golf Course with the indulgence of great wine, the event is an unusual celebration of fun and fitness.
Oyster Betterball Championship
On June 28, 2024, swing into action at the Knysna Golf Club for the Oyster Betterball Championship. Beginning with a shotgun at 11:00 a.m., the golfers are also invited to showcase the skills and compete for glory on the greens.
Knysna Cycle Tour
Get prepared for two exhilarating days of cycling spectacle at the Knysna Cycle Tour on Saturday, June 29, 2024 and Sunday June 30, 2024.
The riders will tackle the rugged terrains on Saturday, the 75km, 50km and 30km MTB races. It will then set off in groups from 8:00 a.m. at the base of Simola Hill and spectators will welcome all routes that will finish at the festival hub located at the Knysna High Sports Field.
Later, the cyclists will embark on the 100km and 50km Road Races on Sunday and will commence from the sports field and while heading towards the picturesque town of Sedgefield.
The 100km route for the race will feature a challenging trek to Wilderness and back. The track will include the renowned Serpentine Climb, while the 50km ride offers an undulating path that is ideal for beginners and is alike seasoned riders.
Whether on MTBs or road bikes, e-bikes or gravel bikes, all cyclists are invited to revel in the thrill of the Knysna Cycle Tour, which promises a weekend of camaraderie, competition and unforgettable adventures on two wheels.
Titan Fight Night
The intensity of mixed martial arts can be experienced by the visitors at the Titan Fight Night on June 29, 2024. With the weigh-ins at 2:00 p.m. the fights will kick off at 4:00 p.m. and will get prepare for an evening of jaw-dropping action and adrenaline-fueled excitement.
Choo-Tjoe Ultra Trail Run
The run will conquer new horizons on June 30, 2024 with either a 67km run from the historic railway station in Wilderness or a 34km trail from Sedgefield Station to the Oyster Festival Hub.
The visitors need to brace themselves for a test of endurance through the scenic landscapes of the Garden Route as you follow the nostalgic Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe steam train railway route for a challenge with a difference. The event considers limited pre-entries only.
Harbour-2 Heads Lagoon Challenge
Harbour-2 Heads Lagoon Challenge will take visitors to the waters on June 30, 2024. Whether you are a junior or senior paddler, this canoe race offers an exhilarating adventure across the lagoon. Notably, the race will start and finish at the Knysna Yacht Club.
