Multiple SA record holder Adriaan Wildschutt is aiming to add the national 10km road record to his impressive list of achievements when he tackles theAbsa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10Kon 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 kilometer but on the day I plan to run 2 minutes 42 seconds per kilometer.”
“I’m doing so because I’m aiming to run 27 minutes flat on the day, ” said Wildschutt.
Wildschutt, who took tenth place over 10 000m at the 2024 OlympicGames 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 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.”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.
“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.
“It’s exciting to have top South African athletes like Adriaan Wildschutt and Glenrose Xaba aiming for national records at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K,” says Michael Meyer Managing Director of Stillwater Sports and Series Founder.
“We’re proud to support local talent through our SA Elite Athlete Programme. By giving South Africa’s top athletes, the chance to compete at a high level on home soil – and by offering enticing incentives – we’re proud to play a role in growing the sport locally.
It’s going to be an incredible race to watch on Sunday.”Jabulile Nsibanyoni, Absa’s Head of Sponsorships, says, “We can’t wait to see you at the starting line for the Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K.
Whether you’re running, walking, or cheering from the sidelines, your participation fuels a greater cause. Through our R1 campaign, we’re turning every kilometre logged by a Team Absa member on Strava into real impact, donating R1 for each kilometer to uplift communities in need.
Join us, track your progress on Strava, and be part of a movement that drives meaningful change.”
Watch the Press Conference here: https://bit.ly/2025AbsaRYCGQEBERHA10K
Photo 1: Elite Men(from left to right): Kabelo Mulaudzi (South Africa), Adriaan Wildschutt (South Africa), Melikhaya Frans (South Africa) and Gideon Kipngetich (Kenya). PHOTO by Pholisa Ngqameni / Stillwater Sports
