BYD – powering the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon towards road running excellence

In a major boost to the quest to return the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon to its former glory, BYD was announced as the event’s first presenting partner at the TTOM Sponsor Announcement Press Conference, hosted at a Constantia restaurant this morning (Thursday 12 March).

The Chinese-based company, BYD, has offices in eighty countries and is the world’s number one producer of electric cars, having overtaken Tesla in total electric vehicle production in the last two years.

And adding lustre to the ‘World’s Most Beautiful Marathon’, which will now be known as the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon powered by BYD, was the confirmation of Lindsay Parry as official TTOM coach and that Heart FM will also be joining the Two Oceans party.

“This is a proud and exciting moment for us as we welcome BYD as Presenting Sponsor of the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon from 2026,” said Chris Goldschmidt, Chairperson of the Two Oceans Marathon NPC. “This partnership reflects a shared commitment to excellence, innovation and community. BYD’s leadership in new energy vehicles (NEV’s), including advanced electric mobility solutions, aligns strongly with our vision for a more sustainable future.”

BYD stands for ‘build your dreams’ and for Wade Bromfield, General Manager of the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon, the partnership is clearly a dream come true.

“From the outset, our ambition has been to restore and elevate the World’s Most Beautiful Marathon to its former glory,” Bromfield stated. “Securing our first-ever Presenting Sponsor marks a major milestone in that journey. With BYD’s innovation and energy behind us, we are proud to power the next era of the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon.”

The announcement was a proud moment for BYD South Africa MD, Steve Chang. “We looked carefully at a number of potential sporting partnership opportunities in South Africa before deciding to join the Two Oceans team.

“Coming on board with the Totalsport Two Oceans seemed like a perfect fit,” Chang continued. “The partnership echoes many of our brands commitments, including innovation, sustainability and enhancing mobility.”

Nomonde Kweyi, Marketing Director of BYD South Africa – MEA Region was equally enthusiastic. “This partnership gives us a unique platform to showcase how clean, efficient and future-focused mobility can enhance major events. Expect to see our vehicles up close – from lead and support cars on race day to interactive displays and engagements in the lead-up to the event.” 

And bringing new heart to TTOM, Heart FM Managing Director, Renee Redelinghuys, promised that the popular radio station will add to the party-feel on race day. “The TTOM is an iconic Cape Town event. We are deeply rooted in Cape Town and it makes sense to align our two brands. 

Giving the TTOM a heart-felt boost is the announcement that Heart Radio has come on board as a 2026 TTOM partner. Heart FM Managing Director Rene Redelinghuys in conversation with Mosibodi Whitehead

“The Two Oceans gives us an opportunity to expose our brand by linking with runners, supporters and spectators on race day.  We are going to be bringing the ‘gees’ through our live activations along the route. Our ‘Heart Squad’ will put smiles on the faces of both runners and spectators!”

Pretoria-based Parry, who has coached some of South Africa’s leading ultra-marathons, including former Two Oceans and Comrades Marathon champions, Caroline Woestmann and Charne Rademeyer, revealed his close connections to Cape Town, where he completed his Sports Science studies. “My Two Oceans journey started in 2000 with the Half Marathon, then two years later I ran my first 56km and I now have my blue number and I’m looking forward to helping runners achieve their goals this year.

“While the 56km runners will have completed much of their preparation by now, there’s a lot we can do to enhance the Half Marathoners’ race day experience,” Parry remarked. “We will be able to make training plans available and podcasts will educate runners about how to approach each stage of the race.”

Goody bags are always a key element for runners and the announcement by BYD that they will be contributing a high-tech moisture-wicking running cap completes a veritable runner’s wardrobe promised in this year’s race goody bag.

“Every runner at registration will receive an official Totalsports Two Oceans event bag,” said Stillwater Sports Managing Director, Michael Meyer. “In the bag will be a Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon event T-shirt, plus the BYD cap, plus a buff from Cipla and a pair of Versus socks – a massive step forward from 2025 and a major contribution to the runners’ experience at Two Oceans this year.”

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