"It needs a lot of determination" - Isaac Kibet Ndiema to chase sub 27 during record attempt at Absa GQEBERHA 10K

Declaring himself ready to run fast, Kenya's Isaac Kibet Ndiema is excited to make his South African debut at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K on Sunday 1 March 2026.

"I chose to come and run the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series in South Africa because the course is really good for fast times and I wanted to see how fast I could run. Of course running in South Africa in your beautiful cities is also something I look forward to," said Ndiema.

Kibet Ndiema has made a name for himself running in fast European races. He believes that the Absa RUN YOUR CITY SERIES offers Africa's best opportunity of producing a sub 27 minute 10km. Photo Credit: Fabienne Nicolas.

With all eyes on Adriaan Wildschutt’s attempt to break the SA Record of 26:55 (set by Maxime Chaumeton in October 2025 at the Brașov Running Festival in Romania), Ndiema who is the holder of a 26:55 personal best will start as the fastest man in the field and provide the world class competition that Wildschutt will require if he is to achieve his ambition of becoming the first man to produce a sub 27 minute 10km clocking on African soil.

"This would be a huge achievement. My training has been going on well and I am feeling prepared for the race," confirms the Kenyan, who will start as one of the favourites to win the race through ‘The Friendly City’. "I will definitely go with the early pace - this can help me to also run a good time in the end. Running sub 27 for 10km on African soil needs a lot of determination and good preparation - but if it is to be done, I think this series in South Africa is where it will be done."

Wildschutt celebrates victory and a new SA 10km Record at the 2025 Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K. Photo Credit: Anthony Grote.

"Having an athlete of Isaac Ndiema's calibre targeting a sub-27 performance at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K immediately raises the level of competition and excitement around the race," says Michael Meyer, Managing Director of Stillwater Sports and Series Founder.