The road ahead for the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon has gained fresh momentum with global electric vehicle manufacturer BYD announced as the event’s Official Presenting Sponsor.
From 2026 the celebrated Cape Town race will carry the name Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon powered by BYD, signalling the start of a new stride for one of South Africa’s most cherished endurance events.
The partnership places a brand renowned for electric mobility at the heart of a race that draws thousands of runners through the sweeping coastal roads between the Atlantic and Indian Oceans.
A BYD vehicle on display at the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon announcement of BYD as its Official Presenting Sponsor in a landmark collaboration that will see one of the world’s leading electric vehicle manufacturers Power one of South Africa’s most iconic endurance events. Photo: Adnaan Mohamed
Chris Goldschmidt, Chairperson of the Two Oceans Marathon NPC, described the partnership as a defining step in the race’s journey.
“This is a proud and exciting moment for us as we welcome BYD as Presenting Sponsor of the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon from 2026, with the event now officially known as the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon powered by BYD,” said Goldschmidt.
“This partnership reflects a shared commitment to excellence, innovation and community. BYD’s leadership in new energy vehicles including advanced electric mobility solutions aligns strongly with our vision for a more sustainable future.”
For organisers, the agreement feels like a runner catching a powerful tailwind in the closing kilometres.
Wade Bromfield, General Manager of the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon, believes the collaboration marks a pivotal milestone in the race’s evolution.
“From the outset, our ambition has been to restore and elevate the World’s Most Beautiful Marathon to its former glory. Securing our first-ever Presenting Sponsor marks a major milestone in that journey,” said Bromfield.
“With BYD’s innovation and energy behind us, we are proud to power the next era of the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon.”
Globally recognised for producing new energy vehicles and advanced battery technology, BYD focuses on zero-emission mobility solutions and is listed on both the Hong Kong and Shenzhen stock exchanges.
For the company, the partnership offers a platform where endurance sport meets sustainable innovation.
Nomonde Kweyi, Marketing Director of BYD South Africa for the Middle East and Africa region, said the collaboration mirrors the spirit of progress shared by both brands.
“As a brand committed to innovation, sustainability, and enhancing everyday mobility, we see tremendous alignment with an event that inspires endurance, passion and progress,” said Kweyi.
“This partnership gives us a unique platform to showcase how clean, efficient and future-focused mobility can enhance major events.”
She added that runners and spectators will experience the brand’s technology throughout race week.
“Runners and spectators can look forward to experiencing our vehicles up close from lead and support cars on race day to interactive displays and engagements in the lead-up to the event. We are excited to bring our technology, energy and innovation to the running community.”
The 2026 race programme includes the International Friendship Run on 9 April, the Trail Run on 10 April, the iconic Ultra Marathon on 11 April and the Half Marathon on 12 April.
As runners prepare to lace up for another journey along Cape Town’s dramatic coastline, the partnership with BYD places the race on a new lane of innovation where endurance meets electric momentum.
