Every year, in the depths of winter, the Knysna forest lets forth a great call to runners of all speeds, shapes and sizes. And, when it does, the Ninety Four answers. After all, who can say no to a weekend of scenic running, oysters and fun with friends? Not us.
Drive to survive (arrive)
Friday dawned, and like moths to the blazing blue Trengen sign, the Knysna crew gathered in the parking lot of everyone’s favourite petrol station. Bags packed, walkie-talkies at the ready and pockets bursting with road trip snacks, we split into 3 cars and hit the road. After a mournful drive past a closed Peregrine (the early bird does not always catch the worm) it was up to Ou Meul to lift everyone's spirits with freshly baked pies and bougie basil pesto. The hours flew by as songs were sung, jokes were told (via walkie-talkie) and several stop-and-go’s ensured legs were sufficiently stretched.
It is generally accepted that all racers need numbers and so, dressed to the nines in our matching black puffers and Oakleys, we descended upon the tent to collect ours the moment we arrived in the sleepy lagoon town. Satisfied with a job well done (race numbers in hand) we congratulated ourselves by slurping down the first of the weekend’s many oysters.
A moment for Mojo dojo casa house
A rose among the thorns of Leisure Isle, Mojo dojo casa house shone like a beacon to our road-weary crew. A mansion fit for the next season of Love Island, gasps of approval filled the air as we inspected the space, the (absolutely freezing) pool and jacuzzi immediately catching our eyes. Rooms were divvied, bags were dumped and then, in true runner style, a shakeout run was on the cards. Most will agree that there’s no better way to explore an island than a cheeky 5km trot and the effort was rewarded with a truly spectacular sunset.
Friday night was a blur of race prep — carbs were loaded, nails were painted and numbers were painstakingly pinned on Nine Four Forever tees. And then, given the 4am wake-up call, an early bedtime was nothing short of mandatory.
Race day antics
iPhone alarms blared as the clock struck 4 and, like zombies emerging from wherever zombies hide, the Nine Four crew arose (cold, excited and somewhat bleary-eyed). Coffee and pre-race nerves banished any lingering exhaustion and we were almost out of the house before the fact that the crew was one member short was brought up. The oversleeper was acquired and we set off to the pick-up point, only for one car to dash home in search of a forgotten watch (because everyone knows a race doesn’t count unless it’s on Strava).
Taxied to the forest and with a few hours to spare, we gratefully stocked up on hot coffee and banana bread squares. Pre-race naps, it appeared, were on the cards for some during the wait while the rest of us pretended to stretch for 2 hours. In true Nine Four style, our crew decided to run together, and at around 8am, the Knysna fun bus’s 21km journey began. There were speakers, singing and impromptu cheer zones. Words of encouragement were bestowed upon many an unsuspecting runner — “You’re almost there”— before we’d even finished the first kilometre. Knysna tradition dictated party-style hydration, with Jagermeister and Old Brown Sherry flowing at many of the drinks stations — and those who know, know that there’s no better cure for the dreaded ‘Simola knee’.
21kms (and many hills) later the Knysna fun bus finished strong — no PBs were achieved but as the old saying goes: ‘Oakleys on, finish as one.’
A rugby game on the horizon, tired legs would not hold anyone back as the post-half marathon crew made our way to the beer tent to cheer the Bokke (despite the fact that everyone was dressed in black). A triumphant return to casa house was followed by the time-honoured sporting tradition of ‘Fines’ after which penalty-stricken crew members nursed our egos with wine, beers and meat from the braai.
A weekend to remember
Sunday heralded a crew breakfast mission which, after a 2-hour wait, left everyone feeling hungry and somewhat stricken. But, as they say, “let the good times roll” and that meant there were cold beers to be enjoyed (and oysters), an eyebrow raising game of Cards Against Humanity and some F, too. The only thing that could top the showstopping sunset that evening was the perfectly roast chicken that very nearly didn’t make it to the table from the kitchen.
All good weekends end with some sous vide time in the jacuzzi and luckily enough for the 13-strong crew, Casa house’s one was extra roomy. Despite the icy evening, Knysna ‘24 would go down as one to remember as jacuzzi chats with the choms turned into an unforgettable episode of ‘never have I ever’.
With new bonds forged and a multitude of memories made, we hit the road knowing that sleepy Leisure Isle would never be the same. I think it’s safe to say we’re counting down the days till the Knysna Forest Half Marathon ‘25.
