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Karoo to Coast 2027

Sun 26 Sept 2027Uniondale100 km

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Karoo to Coast 2027 is on Sun 26 Sept 2027 in Uniondale, 100 km. Follow riders live on livedot.

The course

About the race

The Lions Karoo to Coast is a roughly 100 km one-day mountain bike challenge from the Karoo town of Uniondale to the coastal town of Knysna, crossing the Outeniqua mountains by way of the historic Prince Alfred's Pass. It also welcomes e-bikes and gravel bikes.

History

Wikipedia says the race started in 1999 and has been described as extremely arduous, with most of the route on gravel. It is organised by the Lions Clubs of Uniondale and Knysna, and all proceeds go to charity, including sight-related projects, the SightFirst programme and the South African Guide Dog Association. In 2025, e-bike entries tripled.

The course

Riders start in Uniondale and cross Prince Alfred's Pass towards the coast. The classic course climbs from a high point of about 1,045 m down to sea level, through the dense indigenous forest of Gouna near the end. The organiser says a revised route was approved for the most recent edition, and its profile lists 89.28 km, 1,587 m of climbing, seven water points and a highest point of about 1,180 m, finishing at Knysna High School. The first stretch follows the old wagon trail, the most technical part.

Entry basics

The race is limited to 4,500 riders on a first-come, first-served basis. The 2027 date is 26 September 2027, and the organiser says entries open soon. The fee includes a dinner at the registration venue on the Saturday before. Riders must also hold a Cycling South Africa day licence or membership and a finish-time timing board. The race is a Premier Seeding Event for the 2027 Cape Town Cycle Tour.

Categories

There are separate prizes for gravel riders, with seeded start bunches, and a free e-bike battery swap service. The organiser also offers age-group fun prizes and a Wine and Wheels Expo in Uniondale on the eve of the race.

Where to watch

Charity-run water points along the route are lively spots for supporters, and the finish in Knysna is a festive scene. The Uniondale expo marks the start weekend.

Weather

September is late winter turning to spring in the Garden Route and Klein Karoo. Mornings can be cool in Uniondale, warming through the day towards the coast, and Wikipedia mentions that riders have faced high temperatures. This is a general seasonal description, not a forecast.

SourcesLions Karoo to CoastRace route and profileWikipedia: Karoo to Coast

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