Big news as Discovery announces exclusive Two Oceans Marathon pre-sale

On Thursday morning, Discovery announced that for the very first time in Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon history, runners will be able to bypass the ballot, provided they hold a qualifying Discovery Bank account.

At an event held at the company's headquarters in Sandton, Discovery revealed that they are the official Health, Wellness and Banking partner of the 2027 Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon powered by BYD.

The big news for those looking to secure an entry for next year's race is that the partnership will introduce a dedicated 72-hour pre-sale window for qualifying Discovery Bank clients from 28 to 31 July 2026, ahead of the general sale, which is due to open on 5 August 2026.

The 2027 edition of the iconic race will take place in April.

"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," Firoze Bhorat, Chief Marketing Officer of Discovery, explains.

"This first-ever pre-sale 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 kilometer to the moment they cross the finish line, reflecting Discovery's purpose of making people healthier and enhancing and protecting their lives."

A first-of-its-kind pre-sale

The Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon powered by BYD is a hugely popular event. It sells out every year, with demand consistently outstripping supply. 

This makes the pre-sale period a huge win for those who qualify through Discovery Bank. No more ballots, no more stressful wait periods. This move provides greater certainty for runners to plan their race journey well in advance.

However, entries are limited through the pre-sale and will be allocated on a first-come, first-serve basis per client on the Two Oceans Marathon website between 28 and 31 July 2026.

The 2027 Half Marathon will grow from 17,000 to 21,000 runners, while the Ultra Marathon will increase from 14,000 to 21,000 participants.

“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,” Wade Bromfield, Two Oceans Marathon Event Director, says.

Rewards and more rewards

The benefits do not stop at securing your entry early.

In addition, qualifying Discovery Vitality clients will enjoy a range of benefits designed to support them throughout their training journey and help them arrive ready to tackle the route:

• 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.

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 races.
• 3,500 Vitality points + 500 bonus points for completing the Ultra Marathon, or 2,000 Vitality points + 500 bonus points for completing the Half Marathon.

The iconic Two Oceans Marathon

Dubbed The World's Most Beautiful Marathon, the Two Oceans Marathon 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 countries, contributing an estimated R1.5-billion to the economy of the Western Cape annually.

Time Out Fun Fact: In 1972, the name 'Two Oceans Marathon' was officially adopted and a R2.00 entry fee was charged. In 1973, the marathon moved to the Easter weekend and has been a fixture of the running calendar ever since.

“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 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 our legacy as a world-class event that celebrates perseverance, achievement and the joy of running.”

The sharp 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 country. The rapid rise of running clubs points to a wider shift towards more socially driven fitness experiences.

With this in mind, 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 Two Oceans Marathon.

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.

This new partnership with the Two Oceans Marathon is a natural extension of Discovery's 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.

This article is sponsored by Discovery

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