Seen Here: Seen at the official launch on Thursday 09 July 2026 (from left to right): Wade Bromfield (Event Director of the Totalsports TWO OCEANS MARATHON powered by BYD), Firoze Bhorat (CMO, Discovery), Gerda Steyn (South African marathon and ultramarathon athlete, and seven-time winner of the Totalsports TWO OCEANS MARATHON powered by BYD), Celeste Williams (Head of marketing for Vitality and Sponsorships) and Dinesh Govender (CEO of Vitality). Photo Credit: Strike A Pose Studios
CAPE TOWN – The Totalsports TWO OCEANS MARATHON powered by BYD has announced Discovery as its new Official Health, Wellness and Banking Sponsor, strengthening one of South Africa’s most iconic road running events through a partnership focused on healthier lifestyles, financial wellbeing and rewarding runners.
The collaboration brings together the globally recognised marathon and one of South Africa’s leading integrated financial services providers in a partnership designed to enhance the runner experience while encouraging more South Africans to embrace an active lifestyle.
Organisers say the sponsorship reflects a shared vision of promoting health, resilience and community participation both on and off the road.
“We are excited to welcome Discovery as the Health, Wellness and Banking Sponsor of the Totalsports TWO OCEANS MARATHON powered by BYD,” said Chris Goldschmidt, Chairperson of the TWO OCEANS MARATHON NPC.
“Discovery has inspired South Africans for many years to prioritise their health and wellbeing, 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.”
Enhanced benefits for runners
Event Director Wade Bromfield said the partnership extends far beyond race-day sponsorship, reinforcing the marathon’s commitment to supporting athletes throughout their fitness journeys.
“The Totalsports TWO OCEANS MARATHON powered by BYD is about more than race day. It is about inspiring people to set ambitious goals, prepare with purpose and celebrate their achievements,” said Bromfield.
One of the major benefits of the partnership is an exclusive preferential entry window for Discovery Bank clients, giving qualifying members early access to entries for one of South Africa’s most sought-after road races.
Discovery Bank members will enjoy exclusive access to a limited allocation of entries from 28 July to 31 July 2026, available on a first-come, first-served basis before general public entries open.
Vitality rewards every kilometre
Discovery Vitality members will also be rewarded for participating in the 2027 race weekend.
Athletes completing the various events will earn substantial Vitality Points, including:
- Ultra Marathon (56km): 3,000 Vitality Points plus 500 Bonus Points.
- Half Marathon (21.1km): 1,500 Vitality Points plus 500 Bonus Points.
- Trail Run (24km and 16km): 1,500 Vitality Points plus 500 Bonus Points.
- Trail Run (12km): 600 Vitality Points plus 500 Bonus Points.
- Night Run: 300 Vitality Points plus 500 Bonus Points.
The incentives form part of Discovery’s broader strategy to reward healthier lifestyle choices while encouraging long-term participation in sport and wellness activities.
Creating greater value for clients
Firoze Bhorat, Chief Marketing Officer of Discovery, said the sponsorship aligns with Discovery Bank’s commitment to delivering meaningful value that extends beyond traditional banking services.
“Discovery Bank has built a reputation for delivering exclusive, high-value benefits that go well beyond banking,” said Bhorat.
“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.”
He added that the partnership reflects Discovery’s purpose of making people healthier while enhancing and protecting their lives.
Entries open for the 2027 event
The 2027 Totalsports TWO OCEANS MARATHON powered by BYD will once again feature a full programme of events, including the popular Night Run, International Friendship Run, Trail Runs, Half Marathon and the world-famous 56km Ultra Marathon.
The Half Marathon and Ultra Marathon will each accommodate 21,000 runners, reaffirming the event’s status as one of Africa’s premier distance-running festivals.
The Half Marathon ballot opens on 5 August 2026, while Blue Number Club members receive priority access between 15 and 22 July 2026.
The Ultra Marathon follows the same entry process, with demand expected to remain exceptionally high.
Strengthening Africa’s premier marathon festival
The partnership with Discovery represents another significant milestone in the continued evolution of the Totalsports TWO OCEANS MARATHON powered by BYD.
By combining world-class race organisation with Discovery’s expertise in health, wellness and financial rewards, organisers believe the collaboration will deliver greater value to participants while inspiring even more South Africans to pursue healthier, more active lifestyles.
As preparations begin for the 2027 edition, runners can look forward to more than just crossing the finish line—they will now have access to exclusive rewards, enhanced benefits and a race experience backed by two of South Africa’s most trusted brands.
