The Walker Bay Outdoor Hermanus Festival aims to spotlight the region's beauty and diverse activities, positioning Walker Bay as a global destination for sports and lifestyle enthusiasts. Featuring world-class athletes, the festival seeks to enhance the region's profile, extend the tourism season, boost the local economy, and foster community development.
Organizers also strive to kindle local interest in conservation, ocean safety, and historic preservation, envisioning Hermanus as a top sports-tourism destination through a family-friendly, multi-discipline event. The success of the 2015 pilot event, drawing global athletes and generating economic activity, validated the concept, with plans to further promote the Overberg and Walker Bay region to a worldwide audience.
WHERE
Walker Bay Outdoor Hermanus is an annual multi-day, multi-discipline lifestyle sporting festival held in Hermanus, located in the Walker Bay region. Taking place at the end of April each year, the event offers a diverse range of outdoor activities. Participants can engage in trail running in the picturesque Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, open water swimming in the clear waters of the whale-coast ocean, and mountain biking in the scenic mountains of Hermanus.
The festival aims to be the ultimate outdoor experience, catering to both families and spectators, as well as serious and casual athletes. It prides itself on being an all-inclusive event with a competitive edge, encouraging individuals of all sporting abilities to participate and #findyourxtreme.
WHAT
Hermanus, described as a hidden gem, is the focal point of the Walker Bay Outdoor Festival, aiming to share the beauty of this coastal town. The festival's hub is the spectator-friendly Race Village and the main stage at Hermanus Old Harbour, with events extending to various areas including the New Harbour, Voëlklip, the Hemel-en-Aarde valley, and Fernkloof. In addition to the sporting events, participants and spectators can enjoy various activities during breaks, such as paragliding, hiking, whale watching, sunbathing on beautiful beaches, and exploring award-winning wine farms and restaurants in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley and Hermanus.
Walker Bay Outdoor Hermanus invites everyone to relish the experience of this breathtaking coastal town, hosting what is claimed to be the most beautiful Outdoor Sporting Festival in the world.