Running along the Waterfront

KNYSNA NEWS - In contrast to the gloomy, overcast weather that runners had for last year's Knysna Waterfront Half-marathon, this year's event was blessed with stunning sunny weather on Saturday 13 November.

In 2020 the half-marathon (21,1km) fell away, but the 10km and the self-timed 5km funrun were held with much success. Frequenters of the half-marathon would have been champing at the bit to have their race return this year, and they got their wish.

The half-marathon took place alongside the 10km and 5km distances, with the latter remaining a self-timed funrun. The starting line was in its traditional spot, in the parking lot behind the Knysna Waterfront.

Nearly 300 runners set off at 07:00, with the 10km seeing the most entrants at 108.

Runners in all three distances made their way down the paved path along the estuary towards the eastern part of town. Runners in the 5km turned around as they reached George Rex Drive while the 10km runners continued a further 2,5km up the paved path alongside George Rex.

The runners set off at the start of the race.

Defending champion in the 10km Selwyn Matthews was determined to repeat his 2020 achievement and managed to do so with an improved time of 31:51 - 45 seconds faster than his time last year. Francois Maquassa was in second place with a time of 32:22 while Donavan Jantjies finished third in a time of 34:07.

The first lady, Kirsty Weir, came in 12th overall with a time of 43:05. Second-placed Benita Joubert was just over a minute behind her, finishing in 44:32, while third-placed Olivia Lamont finished in 45:40.

The half-marathon runners followed the same route, simply continuing along George Rex Drive towards the East Head where they turned around and followed the same route back.

The leaders blitzed their way through the field, with winner Lloyd Bosman finishing his race in a time of 1:12:41 - four minutes ahead of the next runner. Karel Burger finished second with a time of 1:16:14 while Lindile Tokota finished third in a time of 1:23:27.

Vincent Tshabane and Carel du Toit were part of a group that kept the spirit going through singing.

Cecilia Nel was the first lady to finish in the 21,1km, placing seventh overall with a time of 1:31:51. Dana-Bianca van Zyl was the second lady across the line in a time of 1:42:33, while Joan van Wyngaard came third in 1:47:58.

The 5km, being a fun run, did not record official times and placings.

Nigel Brown was a little tired towards the end of his run.