A history-making run in Romania as South Africa’s Maxime Chaumeton becomes the first to dip under 27 minutes, setting a new national record.
Brasov, Romania (08 October 2025) – Setting a new national record in a different country? That was the reality for South Africa’s Maxime Chaumeton, who lit up the streets of Brașov with a performance that will go down in history. Competing at the 2025 tRUNsylvania 10K, Maxime stormed to victory with a time of 26 minutes and 55 seconds, becoming the first South African ever to dip under the 27-minute mark for 10 kilometres on the road.
In doing so, the 24-year-old distance star hit Adriaan Wildschutt’s previous national record of 27:28 by an astonishing 33 seconds, while also slicing 41 seconds off his own personal best.
“I knew 27:15 was my target but when I saw I was on for 27 low I thought, ‘let’s drop the gauntlet.’ It takes just one performance to open doors in this sport.”
The run reignites excitement around South African distance running. With the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics now within sight, Maxime’s breakthrough offers a glimpse of a bright future ahead.
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Reflecting on his preparation, Maxime credited his success to relentless discipline and the people behind him.
“I believe in this game. I prepared for two months, giving 100% to this. My coach is very well-known in the running community, Hendrik Ramaala, and he’s the one who guides me with his wife. I have an insane group behind me at Zoo Lake…and that’s what takes you to these times. That’s where the hard work is done, the race day is easy work. And it did feel easy.”
Speaking about how the race unfolded, Maxime highlighted the competitive depth of the field and the new technology that helped pace the race.
“It was a big group, still, going into the last lap. It was huge. I think what really helped me was this new pacing technology that was on the lead car, that gave us projected time.”
Under the guidance of legendary South African marathoner Hendrick Ramaala and backed by a strong support network, this might just be the start of something even bigger for Maxime.
Watch highlights of the race here.
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