'I'm looking forward to faster marathons' - Nadeel Wildschutt runs 2:09 for third fastest SA Marathon debut

As if to underline the growing strength in depth in South African distance running in the post Covid era, Nadeel Wildschutt has become only the fourth local athlete to produce a sub 2:10 marathon debut. After Stephen Mokoka opened his 42,2km account with a 2:08:33 clocking in Seoul in 2010 and Thabang Mosiako announced himself to the marathon world with a 2:09:14 run in Abu Dhabi twelve months ago, Wildschutt is now the holder of the third fastest SA Marathon debut after grabbing third position at the Hoka backed Marathon Project in the United States on Sunday 21 December.

Wildschutt on the way to a memorable marathon debut at The Marathon Project in Arizona, US. Photo Credit: Supplied.

"In the race itself I was very confident and felt very much in it until the last 3 miles. For a marathon debut I'm content with the outcome of the race although the win would've been sweet," he posted on his social media pages shortly after joining a select group of only four South Africans including Hendrick Ramaala (2:09:43 at the 2000 London Marathon), to have run their first marathon under 2:10. 

Based in the Boland where he runs for the Stellenbosch-based Athletes Academy club which is the brainchild of Olympic 10 000m silver medalist Elana Meyer, Wildschutt spends his time balancing work with a burgeoning running career. In 2025, the 29-year-old successfully defended his national 10 000m title while producing two sub 28:30 10km clockings - both run in the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series. Encouraged by his shorter distance fitness, Wildschutt who studied in the United States when he was a college student, decided that Arizona in America would be the right place to make his marathon debut.

Wildschutt winning the 2024 SA 10 000m title in Pietermaritzburg. He defended that title in 2025 in Cape Town. Photo Credit: Lifutso Mabua.

Supported by his younger brother Adriaan who is based in the United States and is the SA Half Marathon record holder, Nadeel was able to live as a full time elite athlete and found that this lifestyle change allowed him to focus his training like never before.

"I'm grateful for my brother and wife who made this opportunity possible. The last few months I had the opportunity to train full time, something I haven't done since college years. My marathon build up showed gradual progress where our main objective was to train within ourselves. Thanks to Naz Elite staff and my training partners for allowing me to be a part of a family. Lastly, I appreciate the role Endurocad and Athletes Academy played and I'm looking forward to faster and competitive marathons in the near future."