Mazda Southern Africa and Versus Socks invite South Africans to find their Wonderrrr, one kilometre at a time

Mazda Southern Africa has partnered with Versus Socks for the Versus Grand Prix 10K Run, taking place at the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit in Johannesburg on 31 October 2026.

The partnership brings together two brands connected by movement, performance and experience, while giving Mazda an opportunity to express its Wonderrrr brand philosophy in a fresh and distinctly human way.

For Mazda, movement has always represented more than simply getting from one place to another. It is about the moments of discovery that happen along the way – the shift in perspective, the emotional connection to a journey, and the sense of possibility that comes from going somewhere new.

It is also about finding wonder in the everyday. A familiar road can feel different when you experience it on foot. A morning run can become a moment of connection. A personal challenge can leave you feeling stronger, more energised and more present. These uplifting experiences often happen in the simplest moments, when movement creates space to reconnect with yourself, with others, and with the world around you.

That idea sits at the heart of the Versus Grand Prix. Over 10 kilometres and two laps of the iconic Kyalami circuit, runners will experience a setting more commonly associated with motorsport from an entirely different perspective.

Wide tarmac, sweeping corners and the atmosphere of one of South Africa’s most recognisable circuits will form the backdrop to a race designed for first-time runners, seasoned participants and social running crews alike.

“At Mazda, we believe movement has the power to change your perspective. It can introduce you to a new place, a new experience, a new community or even a new side of yourself. That is what Wonderrrr represents for us,” says Deolinda Da Costa, Head of Marketing at Mazda Southern Africa. “Wonderrrr can also be found in the everyday moments that make us feel good – moving our bodies, spending time with people who uplift us, challenging ourselves or simply being present in an experience. Our partnership with Versus Socks allows us to bring that belief to life beyond the driver’s seat, while celebrating movement, wellness and the joy that comes from doing something positive for yourself.”

Whether someone is taking on their first 10km, chasing a personal best or simply enjoying the morning with friends, the journey itself becomes part of the reward. Kyalami offers a fitting setting, familiar and iconic, but experienced in a completely new way.

The partnership also reflects Mazda’s broader approach to mobility. Across its vehicle offering, the brand places people at the centre of design and engineering, with a focus on craftsmanship, intuitive technology and a strong connection between driver, vehicle and road.

Mazda’s design philosophy is built around bringing a sense of life and motion to form, while its engineering approach is intended to make the driving experience feel natural, engaging and responsive. Together, these qualities support a brand philosophy in which mobility is not only functional, but emotional and uplifting.

The Versus Grand Prix provides a natural extension of that thinking. A circuit traditionally defined by engines and speed will, for one morning, be experienced through thousands of footsteps, conversations and individual milestones.

Beyond the physical challenge, the event celebrates the broader sense of wellbeing that can come from movement, the energy of a shared experience, the encouragement of a community and the feeling of accomplishment that comes from showing up for yourself.

The race starts at 08:30 and includes two water points, activations, and cheer zones positioned around the circuit. After completing the 10km course, participants will move into the Kyalami pit garages, where food stalls, a bar, music and a post-race gathering will round off the experience.

Each race entry also includes a complimentary pair of Versus Socks, with further race-pack details to be announced.

For Mazda Southern Africa, the value of the partnership lies as much in the shared experience surrounding the event as in the race itself.

A first 10km. A new personal best. A morning with friends. A familiar circuit viewed differently. The encouragement of a stranger. A finish line that carries more meaning than expected.

These are the kinds of moments Mazda associates with Wonderrrr, uplifting experiences and small discoveries that remind us wonder doesn't always have to be sought somewhere far away. Sometimes, it is waiting in the everyday, in the decision to move, connect, explore and experience something differently.

On 31 October, Mazda Southern Africa and Versus Socks will invite runners to discover exactly that at Kyalami, one kilometre at a time.

Event: Versus Grand Prix 10K Run
Date: 31 October 2026
Start time: 08:30
Venue: Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit, Johannesburg
Distance: 10km
Course: Two laps of the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit
Race entry: Includes a complimentary pair of Versus Socks

Mazda Southern Africa represents a brand built around human-centric design, craftsmanship, intuitive technology and an engaging driving experience. Its approach to mobility focuses on creating meaningful connections among people, vehicles and the journeys they take.