Lonwabo Mtyeku | Image Credit:Anthony Grote
Seen here: Adriaan Wildschutt in action during the Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K in 2025. PHOTO CREDIT: Anthony Grote
South African distance running stands on the brink of history as Olympian Adriaan Wildschutt sets his sights on becoming the first athlete ever to break the 27-minute barrier for 10km on African soil at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K on Sunday, 1 March 2026.
Fresh off a glittering 2025 campaign that saw him rewrite four national records and cement his status as one of the country’s most accomplished endurance athletes, Wildschutt now returns to “The Friendly City” with a singular objective — to produce one of the greatest performances ever witnessed on African roads.
“It would mean a lot to run sub-27:00 on South African soil. It would probably be one of my very highest achievements. It would certainly mean the world to me,” Wildschutt said.
A Homecoming Charged with History
Gqeberha holds a special place in Wildschutt’s career. It was here in April 2025 that he made his Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series debut, storming to a South African 10km record of 27:28 with a commanding solo run that electrified spectators lining Beach Road. That mark would later be eclipsed internationally, but it remains one of the most iconic performances ever produced by a South African athlete on home soil.
Now, with international pedigree, Olympic credentials and a national half-marathon record of 59:13 set in Valencia, Wildschutt returns stronger, faster and more determined.
Seen here: Adriaan Wildschutt takes gold at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K in 2025. PHOTO CREDIT: Anthony Grote
A Monumental Challenge
Breaking 27 minutes is not merely an athletic target — it is a near-mythical benchmark in global road running, typically reserved for perfectly calibrated European races with elite pacing and flawless conditions.
Wildschutt is acutely aware of the magnitude of what he is attempting.
“To even come close to sub-27, I need perfect weather, strong competition and excellent pacemaking. Last year I ran most of the race alone. This time I need competitors who can push me all the way to the finish line,” he explained.
Pacemakers, favourable coastal conditions and a world-class elite field will be central to turning Gqeberha into the theatre of a potential African first.
More Than a Record Attempt
Beyond the stopwatch, Wildschutt’s mission carries a deeper purpose — inspiring a new generation of African runners and strengthening the continent’s place on the global athletics map.
“The Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series has been a huge help in providing opportunities for us to run fast and compete against high-quality athletes. The incentives motivate us to prepare properly and raise standards across the board,” he said.
His presence on African roads sends a powerful message: that world-class performances can — and should — happen at home.
Organisers Back the Vision
Stillwater Sports Managing Director and Series Founder Michael Meyer believes Wildschutt’s return signals a defining chapter for South African road running.
“Adriaan continues to raise the bar for South African distance running. We want our elite athletes to keep breaking records and setting new benchmarks on home soil. It is incredibly exciting to witness this growth within the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series,” Meyer said.
All Eyes on Beach Road
The Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K takes place on Sunday, 1 March 2026, starting at 07:00 on Beach Road, Humewood. The fast coastal route, scenic ocean backdrop and electric crowd atmosphere promise a fitting stage for a historic attempt.
Event Entry Information
- Licensed Runner: R255
- Temporary License: R30
- Entries close on 23 February 2026 or once capacity is reached.
A Moment Waiting to Be Written
Should Wildschutt succeed, he will not only redefine African road running — he will inscribe his name among the greats of global athletics.
On 1 March, the continent does not merely host a race.
It hosts a moment that could change its sporting history forever.
