For the first time in the race’s history, runners will be able to bypass the ballot for the Totalsports TWO OCEANS MARATHON powered by BYD (TTOM), provided they are qualifying Discovery Bank clients.
Discovery today announced that it has been named the official Health, Wellness and Banking Partner of the 2027 Totalsports TWO OCEANS MARATHON powered by BYD. The partnership introduces a dedicated 72-hour early-access window for qualifying Discovery Bank clients from 28 to 30 July 2026, ahead of general entries opening on 5 August. The race itself takes place in April 2027.
Firoze Bhorat, Chief Marketing Officer of Discovery, said the partnership reflects Discovery Bank’s distinctive approach to client value, using the strength of the wider Discovery ecosystem to unlock experiences that clients cannot easily access.
“Discovery Bank has built a reputation for delivering exclusive, high-value benefits that go well beyond traditional banking. From preferential access to events, to industry-leading Vitality Travel deals and highly rewarding Discovery Miles, we have consistently used our shared-value model to give clients meaningful advantages in the moments that matter most to them. This first-ever early-access opportunity for the Totalsports TWO OCEANS MARATHON powered by BYD is a natural extension of that promise, giving qualifying clients a genuine head start on securing a place at one of the country’s most oversubscribed races.”
Bhorat adds: “For clients, it will be an experience that supports and rewards runners from the very first training kilometre to the moment they cross the finish line, reflecting Discovery’s purpose of making people healthier and enhancing and protecting their lives.”
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A First-of-its-Kind Early Access Opportunity
The Totalsports TWO OCEANS MARATHON powered by BYD sells out every year, with demand consistently outstripping supply. For the first time in the race’s history, qualifying Discovery Bank clients will be able to secure entry without going through the ballot, providing greater certainty to plan their race journey ahead of general entry. Entries are limited and will be allocated on a first-come, first-serve basis per client via www.twooceansmarathon.org.za.
Exclusive Rewards To Fuel Your Training
In addition to securing a coveted place on the start line, qualifying Discovery Vitality clients will enjoy a range of benefits designed to support them throughout their training journey and help them arrive race-ready:
- Up to 25% off official race merchandise through Vitality Active Gear at Totalsports, including selected running shoes, apparel and fitness devices.
- Zero-activation fee when joining Planet Fitness or Virgin Active if they sign up between 1 August 2026 and 30 April 2027. Plus, they can get 75% discount on a monthly local club membership, making it even easier to train for race day.
- Complimentary Kauai smoothie vouchers, helping members fuel their training and recovery in the lead-up to race day.
- Travel support through Vitality Travel, with up to 75% off flights, up to 25% off accommodation and car hire, helping runners and their supporters plan their race weekend with ease.
Celebrate Your Finish Line Achievement
And the rewards don’t stop at the finish line. Discovery Vitality members who complete the race will unlock additional recognition and rewards for their achievement:
- Diamond Vitality status for all Discovery Vitality members who complete the Totalsports TWO OCEANS ULTRA MARATHON powered by BYD, recognising the commitment, determination and resilience required to conquer one of the world’s most iconic ultra-marathons.
- 3,000 Vitality points + 500 Bonus Points for completing the Ultra Marathon, or 1,500 Vitality points + 500 Bonus Points for completing the Half Marathon.
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A Defining Partnership In A Booming Running Landscape
Widely known as “the world’s most beautiful marathon”, the Totalsports TWO OCEANS MARATHON powered by BYD has evolved into one of the most prestigious endurance events globally, and a cornerstone of South Africa’s running culture. It features two flagship distances: the renowned 56km Ultra Marathon and the hugely popular 21.1km Half Marathon, both offering runners unforgettable coastal and mountain scenery around the Cape Peninsula.
Since its founding in 1970 with just 26 runners, the event has grown into a national institution that:
- Attracts over 30,000 participants annually from nearly 100 countries¹
- Includes 14,000 Ultra Marathon runners and 17,000 Half Marathon runners²
- Consistently sells out year on year
- Is estimated to contribute R1.5 billion to the economy of the Western Cape annually³
The 2027 Totalsports TWO OCEANS HALF MARATHON powered by BYD will grow from 17 000 to 21 000 participants, while the Totalsports TWO OCEANS ULTRA MARATHON powered by BYD will increase from 14 000 to 21 000 participants, opening the door for thousands more athletes to share in the magic of “the world’s most beautiful marathon”.
Beyond its global appeal, the marathon plays a vital role locally, promoting active lifestyles, strengthening community participation, and delivering significant economic and tourism impact.
“We are excited to welcome Discovery as the Health, Wellness and Banking Sponsor of the Totalsports TWO OCEANS MARATHON powered by BYD,” says Chris Goldschmidt, Chairperson of the TWO OCEANS MARATHON NPC. “Discovery is a brand that for many years has inspired South Africans to prioritise their health and well-being, making this a natural fit for our event. Together, we look forward to creating an even more rewarding experience for our runners while continuing to build on the Totalsports TWO OCEANS MARATHON’s legacy as a world-class event that celebrates perseverance, achievement and the joy of running.”
Wade Bromfield, Event Director of the Totalsports TWO OCEANS MARATHON powered by BYD, believes the partnership will further enhance the runner experience while reinforcing the event’s commitment to health and well-being.
“We are proud to partner with Discovery, a brand that shares our passion for encouraging healthier, more active lifestyles. The Totalsports TWO OCEANS MARATHON powered by BYD is about more than race day – it’s about inspiring people to set ambitious goals, prepare with purpose, and celebrate their achievements. Through this exciting sponsorship, Discovery Bank clients will have access to an exclusive preferential entry window. A limited allocation of entries has been reserved and will be available on a first-come, first-served basis, providing meaningful value for its clients while supporting and rewarding their commitment to an active lifestyle.”
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The Rise Of Running In South Africa
The partnership comes at a time when running is experiencing a sustained surge across South Africa. In 2025 alone, more than 116,000 runners completed marathon and ultra-distance events, and a record 138 marathon and ultra races were hosted across the country⁴. The rapid rise of running clubs points to a wider shift toward more socially driven fitness experiences.
Discovery has been investing in and championing running and walking in South Africa for decades, helping to build one of the most vibrant participation ecosystems in the country. Through the Vitality Run Series, which spans events across all nine provinces and engages more than 70,000 runners each year, Discovery has consistently created platforms that make movement accessible, social and rewarding. For many runners, the series serves as a pathway to bigger race goals, helping them train, build confidence and arrive race-ready for landmark events such as the Totalsports TWO OCEANS MARATHON powered by BYD. That long-standing commitment has also fuelled the growth of Team Vitality into the largest running club in South Africa, a thriving community united by shared goals of health and performance.
The partnership with the Totalsports TWO OCEANS MARATHON powered by BYD is a natural extension of that mission: enabling more South Africans to take part in iconic races, and to feel supported and rewarded at every step of the journey, from the first training run to the finish line in April 2027.
Sources and references: ¹ Participation and international reach: Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon official website ² Race entry numbers (Ultra and Half Marathon): Two Oceans Marathon participation statistics ³ Economic impact: Totalsports TWO OCEANS MARATHON powered by BYD official website ⁴ Running statistics: Running Mann
**MH Partnership
