Seen Here: Trail runners join the experience by taking on the Totalsports TWO OCEANS MARATHON powered by BYD Trail Run in 2026. Photo Credit: Mark Sampson
CAPE TOWN — The spirit of running will take on an even greater meaning at the 2027 Totalsports TWO OCEANS MARATHON powered by BYD, after a limited allocation of 2,000 charity entries raised an impressive R2 million for community development initiatives.
The entries, made available through the TWO OCEANS MARATHON Initiative (TOMi) on a first-come, first-served basis, comprised 1,000 Ultra Marathon entries and 1,000 Half Marathon entries.
Each TOMi entry included a built-in R1,000 donation, allowing runners to secure a place in one of South Africa’s most iconic road races while simultaneously contributing to causes designed to create lasting community impact.
The initiative’s success reinforces the growing role of the Two Oceans Marathon beyond competition — using the reach and popularity of the event to support communities and organisations across the country.
Turning race entries into community impact
TOMi is the official community impact programme of the TWO OCEANS MARATHON NPC, with its charitable work centred around four key pillars:
- Education
- Environment
- Health and Wellness
- Athletics Development
The programme is designed to support organisations and initiatives that align with these priorities, with particular emphasis on creating meaningful and sustainable benefits for communities connected to the event.
Runners can also make additional voluntary contributions directly to any of the four TOMi pillars when entering the race.
According to Caroline Wills, Chair of the TOMi Subcommittee, the financial stability of the marathon has created an opportunity for the organisation to take a more strategic approach to philanthropy.
“With our staging partner relieving the Board of the operational load, we can refocus on the philanthropic role of the non-profit company,” says Wills.
“The financial stability of the race allows us to plan strategically and support charities through larger, long-term projects.”
TOM NPC is also in the process of applying to SARS for approval to issue Section 18A certificates, which could help unlock additional corporate support for its community initiatives.
Seen Here: Runners crossing the finish line at the Totalsports TWO OCEANS ULTRA MARATHON powered by BYD in 2026. Photo Credit: Motion.Pro.TV
First grants already making a difference
The R2 million raised through the TOMi entries comes as the initiative begins expanding its support for organisations working at grassroots level.
As an initial step, TOMi has already awarded more than R500,000 in grants to eight Western Province Athletics clubs.
The funding is aimed at supporting youth development programmes and event organisation, providing resources that can help strengthen athletics development at community level.
Proposals for funding under TOMi’s other three pillars are currently being received and evaluated.
The approach signals a shift towards longer-term community investment rather than simply making once-off donations.
Supporting communities along the route
For Glenn Muller, Vice-Chairperson of the TOM NPC, the initiative is closely connected to the marathon’s identity and its relationship with the communities through which the race passes.
“As a Board, we have agreed that we want to support charities and causes that align with the Totalsports TWO OCEANS MARATHON powered by BYD,” says Muller.
“In particular we want to assist the communities along the TTOM route and provide meaningful opportunities for them to be part of the World’s Most Beautiful Marathon.”
That community focus adds another dimension to an event already renowned for bringing together thousands of runners from South Africa and around the world.
The Two Oceans Marathon has long been associated with Cape Town’s dramatic coastal and mountain landscapes. Through TOMi, its legacy is increasingly being measured not only by race-day achievements but also by what the event leaves behind in the communities surrounding it.
Seen Here: The start of the Totalsports TWO OCEANS ULTRA MARATHON powered by BYD in 2026. Photo Credit: Chris Hitchcock
Charities to receive further opportunities
TOMi’s fundraising efforts will also extend beyond the dedicated TOMi entry allocation.
An allocation of entries to third-party charities will be made after the 2027 entry ballot process has been completed.
Details of the participating charities will be published on the Totalsports TWO OCEANS MARATHON website, with the cost of those entries to be determined by the individual charities according to their own fundraising and marketing strategies.
For event organisers, the model creates an opportunity for charities to leverage the enormous interest surrounding one of South Africa’s most sought-after running events.
A marathon with a bigger purpose
Wade Bromfield, Event Director of the Totalsports TWO OCEANS MARATHON powered by BYD, welcomed the response to TOMi and the potential for the programme to translate the event’s popularity into tangible social impact.
“We are excited to see the incredible support for the event translating into meaningful community impact,” says Bromfield.
“We look forward to the TOMi Subcommittee ensuring that the proceeds are directed towards initiatives that can make a positive and lasting difference in the communities that continue to support the event.”
The R2 million raised therefore represents more than the sale of 2,000 coveted race entries. It is an investment in programmes intended to strengthen education, health, environmental initiatives and athletics development.
Countdown to the 2027 Two Oceans Marathon
The 2027 Totalsports TWO OCEANS MARATHON powered by BYD will take place across the Easter weekend, with a series of events catering for runners of different abilities.
The Night Run, covering 8km, will take place on Wednesday, 31 March 2027, followed by the International Friendship Run over 4.5km on Thursday, 1 April.
The Trail Run will follow on Friday, 2 April, offering 24km, 18km and 12km distances.
The weekend’s flagship road races will then take centre stage, with the 21.1km Half Marathon on Saturday, 3 April, followed by the iconic 56km Ultra Marathon on Sunday, 4 April.
Both the Half and Ultra Marathon have a capacity of 21,000 runners, underlining the scale and popularity of the event.
Running beyond the finish line
The latest TOMi milestone demonstrates how mass participation sport can become a powerful vehicle for social investment.
Every kilometre completed by a runner can now be connected to a broader journey — one that extends from the race route into classrooms, communities, athletics clubs and initiatives aimed at improving people’s lives.
With R2 million already committed through TOMi entries, and more grants and partnerships in the pipeline, the Two Oceans Marathon is positioning its community programme as an important part of its long-term legacy.
The message is simple: at the Two Oceans Marathon, the finish line is not where the impact ends.
