History beckons Wildschutt, Cherono and Elite Field at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K

After rewriting the South African 10km record with a blistering 27:28 at last year's Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K, Adriaan Wildschutt returns to ‘The Bay’ with unfinished business. Taking to the start line on Sunday, 1 March 2026, Wildschutt has his sights set firmly on erasing Maxime Chaumeton’s national mark of 26:55 - and, more significantly, on making history as the first man to break the 27-minute barrier on African soil.

Speaking at the official pre-race press conference on Friday 27 February, the 27-year-old Olympian, declared himself ready to attack this significant milestone.

Wildschutt will lead an elite men's field targeting a first sub 27 minute 10km on African soil. Photo Credit: Richard Pearce.

"I had a great experience here in Gqeberha last year. Its a world class event happening in a great city. I'm feeling good and hopefully I can deliver on Sunday," said the US-based Wildschutt who has been training in Potchefstroom in the North West Province since returning from the World Cross Country Championships in Florida in January where he took 13th position.

Yet even though all eyes will be on the Ceres-born athlete, Wildschutt will not be the fastest competitor in the field. Kenya’s Isaac Kibet Ndiema, who is the holder of a 26:55 10km lifetime best, is expected to provide the challenge the multiple SA-record holder will need to run under 27 minutes for the first time. Emphasizing the need for world-class  competition in order to break the 27 minute barrier, Wildschutt welcomed Kibet's presence adding that becoming the first man to run a 26-minute 10km on African soil would rank as one of the finest achievements of a career that includes a tenth place finish in the 2024 Olympic 10 000m final.

"To run fast anywhere in the world you need a high level of competition, great pace making and good weather. I’m not saying that to be arrogant, but rather acknowledging that I need other people to work with to help me to achieve this tough goal. I’m grateful to Absa for making it happen. If I can manage to do it, it would be the second best performance of my career behind the Olympics," he remarked.

Michael Meyer (Managing Director of Stillwater Sports and Series Founder, Mike Mbambani (EPA Race Director), Shane Agnew (Absa Group Regional Manager Eastern Cape Region) and Selby Thabethe (EPA President). Photo Credit: Richard Pearce.

The women’s race is also poised to make history. Brenda Jepchirchir (Kenya), who ran a personal record of 29:25 to win the Valencia 10K in January, is also striving for the fastest time on African soil. The 10km World Leader is the pe-race favourite in a field that includes her Kenyan compatriot and training partner Faith Cherono, SA 10km record holder Glenrose Xaba and Lesotho 10km national record holder Neheng Khatala in what is the strongest field ever assembled for a 10km race in South Africa.

Jepchirchir has set her sights on becoming the first woman to achieve a sub-30 minute performance on African soil. "Running my first sub 30 minute race to win the Valencia 10K was so emotional. I'm happy to be here to race in South Africa because I hear that it’s a fast course. My aim is to break my personal best time and hopefully make history by running the fastest time on African soil."