By: Lonwabo Mtyeku | Photo Credit: Mark Sampson / Tobias Ginsberg / David Sullivan / Devin Paisley
Seen Here: Runners embrace the electric atmosphere of the 2026 Totalsports TWO OCEANS MARATHON powered by BYD Event Week, where every stride celebrates endurance, community and the spirit of the World’s Most Beautiful Marathon. Photo Credit: Supplied
Cape Town, South Africa — The Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon powered by BYD is set to enter an exciting new era in 2027, with organisers unveiling a refreshed Event Week programme and a significant increase in participant capacity that will allow thousands more runners to experience the race affectionately known as “The World’s Most Beautiful Marathon.”
Scheduled to take place from 31 March to 4 April 2027, the expanded five-day festival will culminate in the Totalsports Two Oceans Half Marathon on Saturday, 3 April, before the iconic 56km Ultra Marathon closes the celebrations on Sunday, 4 April.
The revised format is designed to give each race its own moment in the spotlight while creating a week-long celebration of endurance, community and world-class road running.
Participants can look forward to a diverse programme that includes the Night Run, International Friendship Run, Trail Run, Half Marathon and the legendary Ultra Marathon, transforming the event into one of the continent’s premier running festivals.
“We are excited to unveil a revitalised Event Week format for 2027 that will transform the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon powered by BYD into an even bigger celebration of running, community and camaraderie,” said Chris Goldschmidt, Chairperson of the Two Oceans Marathon NPC.
Seen Here: From the first event to the final finish line, participants immerse themselves in an unforgettable week of running, camaraderie and world-class experiences at the 2026 Totalsports TWO OCEANS MARATHON powered by BYD. Photo Credit: Supplied
“This enhanced schedule gives each event its own moment to shine, enriches the experience for runners and supporters alike, and creates a memorable build-up to the ultimate highlight of the week—the Totalsports Two Oceans Ultra Marathon powered by BYD.”
While introducing several innovations, organisers emphasised that the race’s rich heritage remains firmly at the heart of the event.
“We remain committed to preserving the spirit, traditions and legacy that have earned the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon its reputation as the World’s Most Beautiful Marathon,” Goldschmidt added.
The University of Cape Town (UCT) will continue to serve as the event’s home in both 2027 and 2028, with its picturesque setting and world-class facilities providing the perfect backdrop for race week.
Thousands More Runners to Experience the Magic
One of the biggest announcements is the substantial increase in entry capacity, opening the door for many more athletes to take part in one of the world’s most sought-after road races.
Event Director Wade Bromfield confirmed that both flagship races will expand dramatically.
The Half Marathon will grow from 17,000 to 21,000 runners, while the Ultra Marathon will also increase from 14,000 to 21,000 participants—a remarkable expansion that reflects the event’s growing international popularity.
“The 2027 Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon powered by BYD represents a major milestone,” said Bromfield.
“This expansion allows thousands more runners to become part of one of the world’s most iconic road-running experiences while ensuring the Ultra Marathon remains the spectacular grand finale of race weekend.”
The decision is expected to be welcomed by runners who have previously missed out due to the race’s limited capacity and high demand.
Seen Here: More than a race, it’s a celebration. Athletes from across South Africa and beyond enjoy the vibrant Event Week programme that makes the Totalsports TWO OCEANS MARATHON powered by BYD one of the world’s premier running festivals. Photo Credit: Supplied
A Festival of Running
The enhanced Event Week begins on Wednesday, 31 March, with the popular 8km Night Run, followed by the International Friendship Run on Thursday.
Trail running enthusiasts will take on the challenging 16km and 24km Trail Runs on Friday before road runners take centre stage across the weekend.
The 21.1km Half Marathon will once again attract thousands of runners from across South Africa and abroad on Saturday, while Sunday’s 56km Ultra Marathon promises another unforgettable journey around the spectacular Cape Peninsula.
Seen Here: The 2026 Totalsports TWO OCEANS MARATHON powered by BYD showcased the passion, perseverance and unity of the global running community, setting the stage for an even bigger and more exciting Event Week in 2027. Photo Credit: Supplied
Entries Open Soon
Entries for the Night Run, International Friendship Run and Trail Run will open on 3 August 2026.
Blue Number Club members will enjoy early access to Half Marathon and Ultra Marathon entries from 15 to 22 July 2026, before the public ballot opens on 5 August 2026.
With expanded fields, a revitalised event programme and the continued backing of title sponsor BYD, the 2027 Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon is poised to become the biggest edition in the event’s celebrated history.
For thousands of runners, the opportunity to conquer one of the world’s most iconic races has never been greater.
And when the starting gun fires beneath Cape Town’s autumn skies next April, more athletes than ever before will have the chance to write their own chapter in the remarkable legacy of the World’s Most Beautiful Marathon.
