KNYSNA NEWS - The Knysna Forest Marathon's participating runners are expected to provide a financial boost for establishments affiliated to the Knysna Accommodation Association.

A member of the association, Colleen Harding, said her guest house in Paradise was fully booked over the weekend when the marathon will be held.

She thought the majority of the B&Bs, self-catering enterprises and hotels that were 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 Saturday 22 June, the day after the starting day of the Knysna Oyster Festival.

The last day of the two-day Knysna Cycle Tour will coincide with the end of the festival on 30 June. Both events form an important part of the festival.

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

This was because cyclists had to invest a lot of money in their equipment, and "and have got so many races, they pick and choose."

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

About 7 000 runners from across the country are set to line up for the Knysna Forest Marathon, and according to festival organisers, the Comrades Marathon legend Bruce Fordyce is set to give a talk to runners on the eve of the marathon, on 21 June, the starting day of the festival.

Participants can register for the 42.2km marathon or the 21.1km half marathon.

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