'I'm aiming to break the record' - Wildschutt to chase SA Record at Absa GQEBERHA 10K
Following a breakthrough year in 2024, 4-time national record holder Adriaan Wildschutt, has announced his intention to attack the SA 10km record at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K. Based on last season's form, Wildschutt's confidence in targeting the 27:35 SA record set by Precious Mashele at the inaugural Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K in 2023 is well-founded. The American-based top runner produced no less than 6 South African records last season including 3000m (7:32.99), 5000m (12:56.67), 5000m indoors (12:56.76) as well as a new national 10 000m mark of 26:50.64 which accompanied a memorable 10 th place finish in the Olympic final at the Stade de France last August.
"I'm looking forward to participating at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K," said Wildschutt. "I chose the race because I hear that it’s a fast course and I remember the South African record being set there. I love competing, and sometimes that leads to records. I appreciate and respect Precious' record and would never undermine the quality it took to set that record. However, I am aiming to break the South African record in Gqeberha and hopefully make it a lasting one."
As one of the most sought-after track and road running stars in the United States, where he has been based for the past seven years, and a prominent contender on the lucrative European circuit, his decision to kick off his road running season on home soil speaks volumes.
"To be honest, the race in Gqeberha lines up best with my schedule. Training has been going very well in the last 5 weeks. We were able to continue to train at a high level. However, the next 6 weeks are going to be critical leading up to some track races and the 10km in Gqeberha. I am very excited about that, and I am hopeful that everything will go as planned and I can perform at the best level I can."
Performing at the highest level against world class competitors on African soil is not the only reason the Ceres-born SA 5000m champion chose Nelson Mandela Bay over other destinations. Having run a number of 10km road races in the Western Cape as a junior before moving to the US to study, 26-year-old Wildschutt reveals that through his brother Nadeel who ran 28:07 at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K last year, he has been following the Absa RUN YOUR CITY SERIES from across the Atlantic and was more than ready to grab the opportunity to take part when it came.
"I was stoked to hear about that, which is why I wanted to compete in it in an attempt to do well. I also want to try something different and go to a different city I have never been to before. Racing in South Africa is unique. The running culture is different. I love the food afterwards and the vibe that follows the race. I feel a whole lot of people know me better and I can share a great experience with all of them."
Managing Director of Stillwater Sports and Founder of the Absa RUN YOUR CITY SERIES Michael Meyer says they are excited to welcome World University Games bronze medalist to take part in his first Absa RYC event. "His exceptional performance at the Olympics in France last August had South Africans on the edge of their seats—a proud moment for the nation. Adriaan brings excitement and quality racing to the series. We firmly believe that not only is a new SA 10km record within reach, but there's a strong possibility it could be shattered convincingly. We're equally excited to see how the rest of the field responds to his record-breaking ambitions on race day. Spectators can expect top-tier competition and numerous standout performances."
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