Press release -
First race of the 2026 Discovery Vitality Run Series Kicks off with energy and purpose
CAPE TOWN, 10 February 2026 – The 2026 Discovery Vitality Run Series (VRS) officially launched this past Saturday, 7 February, with the exciting Olympic Spartan Harriers Firgrove Challenge. The event, which took place at The Cape Academy of Maths Science and Technology in Firgrove, saw thousands of participants from across the Western Cape come together to run, walk and celebrate the joy of movement - and to claim the first piece of this year’s special interlocking puzzle medals.
As the first event of this year’s series, the Firgrove Challenge set a vibrant tone for the months ahead, offering race distances for every level – from a 5 km fun run to a challenging 21.1 km half marathon. The early morning start times did little to dampen spirits, with runners embracing the cool summer morning as they set off on scenic routes through Constantia.
“We are thrilled to kick off another year of the Vitality Run Series, a platform built to inspire South Africans to lead more active, healthier lives,” said Celeste Williams, Head of Marketing at Discovery Vitality. “This year, we’re adding an exciting new element of collectability and reward. Participants in each region can collect a unique, interlocking medal piece at every event, working towards completing a full set. It’s a tangible celebration of their commitment and a chance to win fantastic prizes, plus a chance to win an international trip to the UK, making every finish line even more rewarding.”
Collect medals, win prizes
The 2026 series introduces a collectible medal concept where finishers in each region receive a metallic piece that forms part of a larger puzzle. Participants who complete their regional set are entered into a draw. Ten winners per region will each receive a R500 Sportsmans Warehouse voucher. Furthermore, all regional winners will be entered into a grand prize draw for a trip to experience a parkrun in the United Kingdom in 2027, including flights and accommodation.
Earn rewards while you run
Participants who are members of Team Vitality, South Africa’s most rewarding running and cycling club, earn Vitality fitness points for completing races, which contribute to their overall Vitality status and unlock further rewards. Team Vitality is designed as a support system to help members stay motivated and rewarded along their fitness journey.
Benefits include:
- Premium pink race kit every two years
- Exclusive VIP hospitality at selected race events
- 25% off an ICE ID Pro bracelet
- Access to Team Vitality events, weekly club updates, training programmes and tips to keep you on top of your game
- Up to 25% back on selected race fees
Get involved in the Vitality Run Series
The Vitality Run Series, awarded Best Event Sponsorship at the 2024 Sports Industry Awards, will continue across Gauteng, Western Cape, KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape throughout 2026. Each event is designed to be inclusive, well-organised and focused on community, health, and personal achievement.
To stay updated and register for upcoming races in the series, visit: www.discovery.co.za/vitality-run-series.
ENDS
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About Vitality
Vitality is the largest global platform for behaviour change, underpinning the insurance products of leading insurers worldwide, impacting 30 million lives in over 40 markets. The Vitality model, established by Discovery Limited in South Africa, has been incentivising behaviour change among its clients for over 25 years. Vitality creates shared value by combining behavioural economics, clinical science, and financial incentives to encourage and reward members for taking steps to improve their health. The model began with a focus on health and wellness and has expanded to include short-term insurance, investments, and financial wellness
