BYD has signed on as the presenting sponsor of the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon, and the BYD Two Oceans Marathon partnership is already giving South African runners something very real to get excited about: more than 100 free race entries up for grabs before a single shot gun goes off.
The deal, announced on 26 March 2026, marks the first time in the Cape Town race’s history that it’s carried a presenting sponsor, with the event now officially running under the banner of the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon powered by BYD. For the Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer, it’s a move that fits BYD’s broader strategy in South Africa, where the brand has been steadily building dealership presence and cultural relevance since its local launch.
The competition mechanic isn’t complicated. Runners who visit their nearest BYD dealership, take a test drive in any BYD vehicle, and scan the in-store QR code will be entered for a chance to win entries into three race categories: the Trail Run, the Half Marathon, and the Ultra Marathon. Winners are set to be announced on 1 April 2026. Full terms and conditions, as well as complete competition details, are available at twooceans.bydauto.co.za.
The headline prize, though, is buried inside one lucky runner’s race pack. A Golden Ticket and the keys to a brand new BYD Dolphin Surf Comfort will be waiting for whoever finds it, turning what would already be a significant personal milestone into something rather different. The Dolphin Surf, launched in South Africa in late 2025, became notable as one of the most affordable electric vehicles on the local market, with a starting price under R400 000.
Beyond the competition, BYD’s presence across the race weekend isn’t just going to be digital. The brand will activate at multiple points along the route on race day, giving both runners and spectators the chance to engage with the vehicles directly rather than just see signage. It’s an approach that mirrors how BYD has been trying to get South Africans into its cars in general: through experience rather than advertising alone.
Chris Goldschmidt, chairperson of the Two Oceans Marathon NPC, described the announcement as a significant moment for the race’s future. “This partnership reflects a shared commitment to excellence, innovation and community,” he said. “BYD’s leadership in new energy vehicles aligns strongly with our vision for a more sustainable future.”
Nomonde Kweyi, Marketing Director of BYD South Africa for the Middle East and Africa region, framed it as an alignment of values between two organisations built around performance and endurance. “As a brand committed to innovation, sustainability, and enhancing everyday mobility, we see tremendous alignment with an event that inspires endurance, passion and progress,” she said.
The Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon takes place in Cape Town on the weekend of 11 and 12 April 2026. The Ultra Marathon follows the iconic 56km route over Chapman’s Peak on the Saturday, with the Half Marathon on the Sunday. The Trail Run is scheduled for 10 April.
For more information on BYD vehicles, visit byd.com/za. Competition and entry details are at twooceans.bydauto.co.za.