By Adnaan Mohamed
The Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon powered by BYD has rewritten its entry playbook. Discovery’s new partnership introduces the event’s first-ever preferential entry window, rewarding qualifying Discovery Bank clients with an early shot at the coveted start line.
Discovery has been announced as the Official Health, Wellness and Banking Sponsor of the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon powered by BYD, introducing a range of benefits designed to support runners from registration through to the finish line.
The headline announcement is a historic first for the event. Qualifying Discovery Bank clients will enjoy an exclusive preferential entry window from 10:00 on 28 July until 09:59 on 31 July 2026. A limited allocation of entries will be available on a first come, first served basis before the public ballot opens on 5 August.
For one of South Africa’s most oversubscribed races, that early access offers runners greater certainty as they prepare for one of the country’s most iconic endurance experiences.
Discovery Chief Marketing Officer Firoze Bhorat said the partnership builds on the bank’s commitment to rewarding healthy lifestyles with meaningful experiences.
“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 sought-after races,” he said.
The rewards continue well beyond registration. Discovery Vitality members who complete race week events, including the Night Run, Trail Runs, Half Marathon and Ultra Marathon, will earn Vitality points, with Ultra Marathon finishers receiving 3,000 Vitality points plus a 500-point bonus.
Participants can also benefit from discounts on official race merchandise through Vitality Active Gear, reduced gym membership offers, travel savings and wellness rewards designed to support every stage of their preparation.
“We are proud to partner with Discovery, a brand that shares our passion for encouraging healthier, more active lifestyles,” said Event Director Wade Bromfield. “The Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon is about more than race day. It inspires people to set ambitious goals, prepare with purpose and celebrate their achievements.”
Chairperson Chris Goldschmidt added that Discovery’s long-standing commitment to health and wellbeing makes it a natural partner for an event that celebrates perseverance, achievement and the joy of running.
The partnership arrives during an exciting period of growth for the event. Both the 56km Ultra Marathon and the 21.1km Half Marathon will accommodate 21,000 runners in 2027, creating opportunities for thousands more participants to experience the spectacular Cape Peninsula route.
From its humble beginnings in 1970 with only 26 runners, the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon has grown into one of the world’s premier road running events, welcoming athletes from almost 100 countries while making a significant contribution to the Western Cape economy.
As South Africa’s running community continues to flourish, the collaboration between Discovery and the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon reflects a shared vision of making healthy living more accessible, more rewarding and more enjoyable. For runners chasing a personal best, a first finish or a lifelong dream, every step towards April 2027 now comes with even greater support.