Adriaan Wildschutt confirms entry for Absa Run Your City Gqeberha 10km

The American-based South African distance star, who shattered four national records in 2025, will take to the streets of Gqeberha on 1 March for the opening leg of the five-race series in the Eastern Cape.  

Wildschutt enjoyed a memorable debut at the event last year, clocking 27:28 to break the national 10km record previously held by Precious Mashele at 27:35. 

That mark, however, was later eclipsed when Maxime Chaumeton set a new South African record of 26:55 in Romania six months later.

The 27-year-old, who hails from Ceres in the Western Cape, told SABC Sport that he is targeting a sub-27-minute run in Gqeberha, as he sets his sights on becoming the first South African to achieve the feat on African soil.

“It would mean a lot to run sub-27:00 on South African soil. It would probably be one of my very highest achievements and would certainly mean the world to me,” said Wildschutt, who also finished inside the top ten in the 10 000m final at the Paris Olympic Games in 2024.

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Wildschutt, who set a national half-marathon record of 59:13 at the Valencia Marathon in October last year, expects fierce competition in what is traditionally one of the fastest 10km races in the country.

“I want to emphasise how tall an order that is on this course, and I’ll need competition. It wasn’t ideal running alone for most of the race last year. To even come close to sub-27, I need perfect weather, which is out of our control, and competitors who can push me all the way to the finish line. Pacers will also be extremely important and hopefully can go beyond 5km,” he explained.

Last year, Wildschutt’s entire family, including his former primary and high school teachers, were present to witness his record-breaking performance. He believes the support of loved ones plays a crucial role in his success.

 “It’s always such a pleasure and honour to run in South Africa. I know there are athletes I indirectly influence, and it’s great engaging with them about running and life in general,” he added.

Wildschutt also walked away with more than R250 000 in bonuses for his historic run last year, including the R30 000 winner’s prize.