'I'm aiming to run 27 minutes flat' - Wildschutt eyes SA Record at Absa GQEBERHA 10K

Multiple SA record holder Adriaan Wildschutt is aiming to add the national 10km road record to his impressive list of achievements when he tackles the Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K on Sunday 13 April. Running in what will be only his second road race in eight years, the US-based top runner who hails from Ceres is confident of eclipsing the current mark of 27:35 set by Precious Mashele at the same event two years ago.

"It's going to be my first time running in Gqeberha. The preparations have gone quite well and I'm motivated to run fast on Sunday. I know the target is to run the SA record which requires an athlete to run 2 minutes 45 seconds per kilometre but on the day I plan to run 2 minutes 42 seconds per kilometre. I'm doing so because I'm aiming to run 27 minutes flat on the day," said Wildschutt.

After producing 26:51.27 over 10 000m on the track on 29 March, Wildschutt feels he is in the right shape to challenge the SA 10km record. Photo Credit: Adriaan Wildschutt.

Wildschutt, who took tenth place over 10 000m at the 2024 Olympic Games in France in the fastest time ever run by a South African over 25 laps of the track (26:50.64), has been in outstanding form over the last two years managing to set national records over various distances ranging from 3 000m, 5 000m and 10 000m. 

The 26-year-old Hoka ambassador is expected to go toe-to-toe with Kabelo Mulaudzi who is a Sub-28 athlete and his brother, Nadeel Wildschutt - who is the holder of a 28:07 lifetime best and is aiming for a maiden 27 minutes 10km clocking. Wildschutt says it feels good to face his brother.

(from left to right): Kabelo Mulaudzi (South Africa), Adriaan Wildschutt (South Africa), Melikhaya Frans (South Africa) and Gideon Kipngetich (Kenya) will all be taking part in the Absa GQEBERHA 10K on Sunday 13 April. Photo Credit:  Pholisa Ngqameni / Stillwater Sports.

"I don't remember when we last faced each other in a race," he said when asked about the prospect of racing his older brother. "I have spoken to him regarding the race. I know he recently won the Athletics South Africa (ASA) 10 000m title where the target was not to run fast but rather win the title. He was relaxed and saving himself for this race. He wants to

run under 28 minutes on Sunday and I wish him all the best in his goals," he said.

In the women's race, South African record holder Glenrose Xaba also made a brave call stating that she is confident of improving on her own record if the weather conditions allow. Last year, Xaba delivered a scintillating 31:12 to break Elana Meyer's long-standing record by just one second at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K. The 30-year-old Boxer Athletics Club elite athlete has started the year on a high note winning the opening leg of the SPAR Grand Prix in Cape Town and then her eighth consecutive SA 10 000m gold medal. 

Elite Women (from left to right): Glenrose Xaba (South Africa), Mercy Jebet Korir (Kenya) and Cacisile Sosibo (South Africa).  Photo Credit:  Pholisa Ngqameni / Stillwater Sports.

"I believe I can win the race if I can pace myself very well. I want to run fast on Sunday. If I can run faster than my personal best time which is also the SA record that would make me happy. My aim is to dip under 31 minutes," said Xaba who is coached by Caster and Violet Semenya.