South Africa’s rising middle-distance star Adriaan Wildschutt delivered a stunning performance at the Absa Run Your City Gqeberha race on Sunday, smashing the national 10km record with a time of 27 minutes 28 seconds.
Wildschutt’s run eclipsed the previous South African mark of 27:35, set by Precious Mashele on the same course in 2023. The 26-year-old athlete from Ceres not only claimed victory but also pocketed R80,000 in prize money—R30,000 for the win and a R50,000 bonus for setting a new national best.
Reflecting on the race, Wildschutt said his strategy centered around taking control in the middle stages.
“It felt good coming off the back stretch,” he said. “In the last 3 to 4km, I knew it was going to be a real fight. But I wanted the win badly, and I knew I had a guy with me. I made a big surge at 3km and again at 6km.”
That aggressive strategy paid off, but not without a price.
“I knew that would cost me a lot in the last 3km. If I didn’t make those moves, I wouldn’t have broken the record. So I just kept pushing against the wind.”
Wildschutt also credited his watch for helping him stay focused and pace himself.
“I was watching my clock the whole time. I’m glad I used it—I kept squeezing and pushing, trying to find a break from the wind. The closer I got to the finish, the more I realized the record might be within reach.”
A final surge in the last 500 meters sealed the historic run.
“I’m just so happy I was able to pull it off,” he added.
Kenya’s Vincent Kipkorir finished second in 27:49, with South Africa’s Kabelo Mulaudzi coming third in 27:59.
Wildschutt also highlighted the tough conditions and his race intelligence.
“We went through halfway in 13:55, which meant we’d need a big second half to break the record. I knew from 7 to 8km it would hurt—but I gave myself a shot, and that made the difference.”
His performance solidifies Wildschutt’s reputation as one of South Africa’s brightest distance running talents.
Photo: Roger Sedres/Gallo Images
