Watch the sun rise. Then chase it to the sea.
20 DECEMBER 2026
The TOWER2SEA starts at sunrise from the Buffelsnek Fire Tower, high above the Knysna Forest, where sweeping views stretch from Plettenberg Bay to Sedgefield. From there, runners descend towards Knysna through a mix of gravel roads, forest singletrack, elephant trails and sections of the legendary Outeniqua Hiking Trail.
It may be a down run, but it's far from easy. What it does offer is an unforgettable trail experience from mountain top to sea level, finishing on Thesen Island in the heart of Knysna.
DATE and VENUE
Sunday 20 December 2026
Thesen Island, Knysna, Western Cape
ENTRY FEE
R1,250 for all distance
ENTRY INCLUDES
SANParks Trail Fees
Personalised Race Bib and Timing Chip
Shuttle to the start
Race apparel | Race medal
Finisher food and drink
Sweepers and marshals
Well Stocked water tables | Medical support
Awesome Race Route
33KM
- 1,350m | + 772m
63% Gravel | 37% Trail
2 Water Points
6 Hr Cut-Off
42KM
- 1,631m | + 1,053m
50% Gravel | 50% Trail
3 Water Points
7 Hr Cut-Off
50KM
- 1,8883m | + 1,083m
42% Gravel | 42% Trail | 16% Tar
4 Water Points
8 Hr Cut-Off
56KM
- 2,067m | + 1,262m
38% Gravel | 38% Trail | 14% Tar
4 Water Points
9 Hr Cut-Off
FINER DETAILS
REGISTRATION and RACE BRIEFING
Registration and Race Briefing will take place on Saturday (19th) at Simola Country Hotel and Spa.
Registration: 15H00 - 16H00
Race Briefing: 16H00 - 16H30
RACE START
33KM and 42KM Runners are required to leave their car at Simola.
A shuttle will collect 33KM and 42KM runners at 04H00 to taken to the start line.
50KM and 56KM runners will be collect on Thesen Island at 04H00 and taken to the start line.
All runners will start their run at Buffelsnek Fire Tower @ 05H00
CHECK POINTS / WATER POINTS
Ensure you have enough nutrition and food with you.
There are taps at some of the picnic spots along the route.
MANDATORY ITEMS
Each runner must have the following items with them:
Food | Water Bladder / Water Backpack / Water Bottles | Cell Phone
FINISH LINE
50KM and 46KM runners will finish on Thesen Island
33KM and 42KM runners will finish at Simola
All finisher will receive a finishers medal and burger/beer voucher.
SUPPORT / SECONDING
Participants are allowed a supporter follow them on the route and provide any nutritional support.
They are also allowed to second their athlete.
MERCHANDISE
The Tower 2 Sea shirts design was inspired by captivating wildlife, rich history and natural wonders encountered along the route. All runners will be a shirt as part of their entry. T2S shocks can be purchased for R150 each.
REFUND & TRANSFER POLICY
Participants may request a refund up to 14 days before the event date.
No refunds will be issued for cancellations made within 13 days of the event.
Entry transfers to another participant are permitted for the same event only and must be completed before race day.
Entries may not be transferred to another event or carried over to a future event.
Approved refunds will be processed after the event and will be subject to the Entry Tickets transaction fee (10%), in addition to a R25 administration fee.
Alternatively, instead of cancelling, your entry can also be deferred to 2027.