Toyota Opens Comrades 2027 Cap Design Competition

Toyota South Africa Motors is inviting South Africans to design the official commemorative cap for the 2027 Comrades Marathon, with entries closing on 30 October 2026.

The winning design will feature on caps included in every participant’s race pack, with approximately 28 000 runners expected to take part in the race’s 100th running.

The competition, titled The Greatest Cap Ever Worn, offers a prize package including VIP race hospitality, a wearable technology package worth R11 500 and a mounted cap signed by Comrades champion Gerda Steyn.

How to Enter the Cap Design Competition

Entrants should visit the Toyota Comrades Cap competition website to download the official design template and read the terms and conditions.

Entries are open until 30 October 2026. Shortlisting will be followed by public voting from 2 to 12 November, with the winner announced on 13 November.

The commemorative cap forms part of the 2027 event’s theme, The Greatest Story Ever Run.

What the Winning Designer Receives

The prize package includes:

• A VIP Comrades Marathon hospitality experience.
• Travel or flights to Durban.
• One night’s accommodation.
• An invitation to the exclusive Comrades sponsor and partner dinner.
• An entry into the Comrades Marathon Toyota Win-A-Car lucky draw.
• The winning cap design mounted on a display and signed by Comrades champion and Global Team Toyota Athlete ambassador Gerda Steyn.
• A wearable technology prize package valued at R11 500.

The vehicle-related prize is an entry into the lucky draw, rather than a guaranteed car.

A Design for Thousands of Runners

Toyota describes the annual Comrades cap as a keepsake representing runners’ preparation, sacrifice and achievement.

With around 28 000 participants expected in 2027, the winning designer’s work will become part of race packs for runners from South Africa and abroad.

“The Comrades Marathon has always been about people, perseverance and the incredible stories that emerge along the journey to race day. As we look ahead to the centenary edition of this remarkable event, we wanted to create an opportunity for South Africans to leave their own mark on its history. The Comrades Cap is a meaningful keepsake for many runners and we’re excited to see how participants interpret the spirit, heritage and significance of the 100th running of the race through their designs,” said Tasneem Lorgat, General Manager: Marketing Communications at Toyota South Africa Motors.

Toyota’s Partnership Supports Race Operations

Toyota has partnered with the Comrades Marathon as its official vehicle and mobility sponsor for more than two decades.

Its vehicles support operations along the route between Pietermaritzburg and Durban, including lead vehicles, race officials, medical support and logistics teams.

The red-and-white Toyota Last Mile is another feature of the route, marking the closing stage of runners’ efforts.

Through the cap competition, Toyota is extending participation beyond the road, giving the public an opportunity to contribute a design runners will receive and keep after the event.

Competition details are available on the official entry website. Further information about Toyota’s partnerships is available on its community sponsorships page.

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