The South African distance runner will line up in Gqeberha on 1 March, chasing a sub-27-minute finish following a year that included national records.
Gqeberha, South Africa (14 January 2026) – After a record-shattering 2025 season, Adriaan Wildschutt is heading into the new year with unfinished business and an ambitious target firmly in his sights. The South African distance star will line up at the Absa Run Your City Gqeberha 10K on Sunday, 1 March, aiming to do what no athlete has done before: run a sub-27-minute 10km on African soil.
Adriaan returns to Nelson Mandela Bay with fond memories. It was on these streets last year that he produced a memorable solo run, breaking away just after the 3km mark and powering to a South African 10km record of 27:28 in front of an enthusiastic home crowd.
That performance was one of several highlights in a standout year that saw the 27-year-old rewrite the national record books four times. His biggest moment came in October, when he stopped the clock at 59:13 at the Valencia Half Marathon, setting a new South African record and further cementing his place among the world’s elite distance runners.
Now, the focus shifts back home.
“It would mean a lot to run sub-27:00 on SA soil. It would probably be one of my very highest achievements. It would certainly mean the world to me.”
The Gqeberha route is demanding, and he knows that everything will need to fall into place for the attempt to succeed.
“I want to emphasise how tall an order that is on this course, and I’d 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), as well as competitors who can push me all the way to the finish line. Pacers will also be extremely important and hopefully can pace even longer than 5km.”
Still, confidence is never far away for an athlete who recently finished an impressive 13th at the World Cross Country Championships in Tallahassee. Racing on home soil, with vocal local support and familiar conditions, remains a powerful motivator.
“It’s always such a pleasure and honour to run in South Africa. I understand that there are quite a few athletes I indirectly influence, and it’s great talking to them about the world of running and all facets of life.”
Adriaan prepares for another bold attempt at history and intends to lead the charge.
Sources: Supplied
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