KNYSNA NEWS - Runners participating in the Knysna Forest Marathon are expected to provide a financial boon for establishments affiliated with the Knysna Accommodation Association.

A member of the group, Colleen Harding, said her guest house in Paradise is fully booked for the weekend when the event takes place, and she thinks the majority of the B&Bs, self-catering enterprises and hotels that are members would be in the same position.

"I would say most establishments will be fully booked over the running weekend," she said.

The marathon will be held on Friday 21 June, the starting day of the Knysna Oyster Festival, which ends on 30 June, the last day of the two-day Knysna Cycle Tour. Both events form part of the festival.

"Runners spend more time and money [at establishments in Knysna] than cyclists," Harding said.

She says this is because cyclists have to invest a lot of money in their equipment, and have many races to pick and choose from.

"Over the cycling weekend we've got availability (in accommodation) all over town."

About 6 000 runners from across the country are set to line up for the Knysna Forest Marathon, and according to festival organisers, Comrades Marathon legend Bruce Fordyce is set to join them.

Participants can register for the 42,2km marathon or the 21,1km half marathon.

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