Keep fit while having some fun with the whole family at the weekly parkrun.
Parkruns are fun, free community events which take place on Saturday mornings in parks and open spaces around the world. The course is always 5 km, and everyone is welcome, whether you run, walk or just spectate. There is no time limit to complete the course and no competition. You can set your own pace and goals or just relax and enjoy the vibe.
Early start
In Knysna, and at most parkrun venues, the event starts at 8am. The course is a completely flat, wheelchair-friendly ‘out and back’route along a paved walkway from George Rex Drive along the Knysna Lagoon, past The Knysna River Club to the turnoff to Thesen Islands where it turns around and heads back to George Rex Drive.
There are very few rules – children under 11 must be accompanied by an adult, and spectators must keep clear of the course. Dog on leashes are welcome as are runners pushing buggies and pushchairs but running with dogs and buggies at the same time is not permitted!
The start is 150m north of the Loerie Park sports complex at the open-air gym and there is parking in a field across the road.There are toilet facilities at Cathy Park, 400m from start.
To get to the start, take the turnoff from the N2 onto George Rex Drive. You will see the gym on the right-hand side of the road about 1 km from the N2.
It’s all about being social
The parkrun in Knysna is very sociable and a great opportunity to meet some friendly locals! Visitors are welcome and are often introduced before the race. According to Race Director Kenny Wilkinson, there are an average of 250 participants every week and this number grows to over 500 in the Easter and Christmas holidays.
For a more challenging route, you can do the Harkerville parkrun at the Harkerville Market on the N2 about 20 km from Knysna, opposite the Airport Road on the way to Plettenberg Bay.
This course is run along a quiet dirt farm road, partly through forested areas and partly through open fields with lovely views across to the mountains. Dogs, buggies and pushcarts are not permitted at this parkrun.
After the run, you can enjoy a delicious breakfast the Harkerville Market.
A diverse run to meet old and make new friends!
Comment from local Knysna resident and regular parkrun participant Ypie Kingma:
“What I enjoy about the Knysna parkrun is that it is so diverse. It’s also wheelchair-friendly, great for families with kids and dogs and a perfect opportunity forpeople of all ages to get outside and exercise. Whether you run or walk you can enjoy the fresh air and scenic views of Knysna along the route. There are always visitors from all over the country and around the world participating. There are even people known as “parkrun tourists” who go on parkrun holidays, only visiting places where they can do a race! I have met all sorts of interesting people at the Knysna parkrun.”
