The 25th edition of the Lions Karoo to Coast will take a slightly different route from Uniondale to Knysna, following the De Poort Pass to Avontuur rather than the Ou Wapad. Entries to the 2026 event, which takes place on Sunday 27 September, close on Monday, 7 September at 17:00.

2026 Karoo to Coast Route

The updated route features 200 metres less climbing in 2026.

Enter the 2026 Lions Karoo to Coast

With the event now officially approved and race day just weeks away, the countdown is on. More than 1 300 riders have already entered, but there is still an opportunity to be part of what promises to be one of the most memorable Lions Karoo to Coast events in the race’s history.

Whether you are a seasoned mountain biker chasing a personal best, a gravel rider looking for a new challenge, an e-bike rider wanting to experience Prince Alfred’s Pass, or someone who has always wanted to tackle the Karoo to Coast, this is your last opportunity to enter the 25th edition, so secure your spot before the 7th of September.

The Lions Karoo to Coast welcomes Mountain Bike, Gravel and E-Bike riders, making the 2026 event accessible to an even broader community of cycling enthusiasts. Enter now at www.karootocoast.com.

Karoo to Coast

The local communities make the Lions Karoo to Coast the spectacular event it is. Photos by Oakpics.

A Special Thank You to George and Knysna

The Lions Clubs of Uniondale and Knysna would like to express their sincere appreciation to the organisations and individuals who worked tirelessly to help make the 2026 event possible. A very special thank you goes to George and Knysna Municipality, the George, Oudtshoorn and Knysna Traffic Department and George Tourism and Visit Knysna for their invaluable assistance and support throughout the process of securing the special permission required for the event.

Their assistance and cooperation were instrumental in working with the Western Cape Department of Mobility and Infrastructure to navigate the route and approval process following the extensive flood damage experienced in the region.

For an event that brings thousands of riders, supporters and visitors into the Southern Cape, this support demonstrates the importance of collaboration between municipalities, tourism authorities, traffic officials, provincial government, emergency services, communities and event organisers.

Ou Wapad

The Ou Wapad has been removed from the 2026 Lions Karoo to Coast route due to flood damage. Photos by Oakpics.

A New Route with a New Story

The 2026 Lions Karoo to Coast will be different from previous editions because of the flood damage to the traditional Ou Wapad section. Riders will leave Uniondale via De Poort, travelling through this spectacular mountain gateway before joining the familiar Karoo to Coast route at Avontuur in the Langkloof.

De Poort

Though the De Poort road was damaged by the May floods the Western Cape Department of Mobility and Infrastructure granted the race permission to use the road and to create a temporary crossing of a badly damaged section. Photo by Wendy Young.

From there, the route continues over the breathtaking Prince Alfred’s Pass, through the indigenous forests of Kom se Pad, before finishing at the Knysna High School Sports Fields. The revised route not only allows the event to continue safely, but gives riders the opportunity to experience a beautiful part of the Southern Cape that many have never previously travelled by bicycle.

Karoo to Coast

Safety is the race organisers’ top priority. Photo by Oakpics.

Safety Remains the Priority

The safety of participants has remained the guiding principle throughout the route approval process. Following route inspections and independent risk assessments, specific mitigation measures will be implemented on race day. At De Poort, riders will enter a controlled neutral zone and dismount to walk across a short section of shallow flowing water under the supervision of marshals before continuing.

Additional warning signage, safety mesh and experienced marshals will be positioned at selected sections of Prince Alfred’s Pass where riders need to reduce speed and take extra care. De Poort and Prince Alfred’s Pass will also be closed to through traffic on race day, with access maintained for landowners and authorised event vehicles.

Karoo to Coast

The Lions Karoo to Coast is a major fundraiser for the charitable efforts of the Lions Clubs of Uniondale and Knysna. Photo by Oakpics.

More Than a Ride

For 25 years, the Lions Karoo to Coast has been about much more than cycling. Owned by the Lions Clubs of Uniondale and Knysna, the event contributes to the communities it serves, with proceeds supporting Lions community initiatives and charitable beneficiaries.

The event also provides a significant economic boost to Uniondale, Knysna and surrounding communities over Heritage Weekend, bringing riders, families and supporters into the region and creating business for accommodation establishments, restaurants, shops, fuel stations, cafés, tourism operators and other local businesses. When you enter the Lions Karoo to Coast, you are not simply entering a 100km cycling challenge. You are becoming part of a 25-year Southern Cape story and contributing to the communities that make the event possible.

Uniondale

Join the fun in Uniondale for registration and the Wines and Wheels Expo. Photo by Oakpics.

Heritage Weekend Starts in Uniondale

The excitement begins before race day with the Wine & Wheels Expo at the Uniondale Showgrounds on Friday, 25 September and Saturday, 26 September 2026. The Expo will bring together cycling brands, local wine, exhibitors, food vendors and local businesses and will provide riders and supporters with the opportunity to collect their race packs, meet fellow riders and experience Uniondale hospitality before Sunday’s challenge.

Tristan Nortje

Tristan Nortje became the first rider to break the 3 hour mark when he won the 2025 Lions Karoo to Coast. Photo by Oakpics.

2026 Lions Karoo to Coast