South Africa’s middle-distance sensation Adriaan Wildschutt will headline the opening race of the 2025 Absa RUN YOUR CITY SERIES in Gqeberha on Sunday, April 13, with a bold ambition: to shatter the South African 10km record.
Wildschutt currently holds the national 10,000m record with a blistering time of 26:50.64 set at the Paris Olympic Games in the 10,000m last year. He will attempt to break the road record of 27:35 set by Precious Mashele in 2023.
The 26-year-old from Ceres in the Western Cape is currently based in the USA where he is completing his studies and competes professionally for the Hoka NAZ Elite team. He previously ran collegiately for Coastal Carolina University before transferring to Florida State for his final two years of college.
The 2024 season was a breakthrough year for Wildschutt, who now holds four national track records. His impressive form on the track saw him become just the 19th man in history to record three sub-27-minute performances over 10,000m, joining the ranks of legends like Eliud Kipchoge, Mo Farah, Kenenisa Bekele, Joshua Cheptegei, Mo Farah, and Haile Gebreselassie.
Building on this success, Wildschutt is eager to take on the Gqeberha 10K course, known for its flat, fast route ideal for record-breaking performances.
I’ve been training hard for this race, and I’m fully focused on breaking the SA 10km record.
Joining him at the front of the pack is his brother, Nadeel Wildschutt, who will also compete in this highly competitive field. However, Adriaan remains the standout contender, with all eyes on his potential to make history.
Adriaan will face formidable competition, including Kenyan Gideon Kipngetich. After a runner-up finish at the 2024 Absa RUN YOUR CITY Tshwane 10K and a dominant victory in Johannesburg, Kipngetich is eager to continue his success in 2025. This will be his first race at sea level, and he’s excited about the fast course in Gqeberha.
My training is going well, and I’m confident I’ll perform strongly on the fast Gqeberha course.
His target is to break the 27-minute barrier, a feat that could make him a serious challenger for the top spot.
Local hero Melikhaya Frans, a seasoned marathoner and 10km specialist with a personal best of 28 minutes, will also be a key contender. A South African icon, Frans is looking forward to racing in front of his home crowd.
It’s always great to compete in front of my people. My goal is a time under 28:30, and I’m feeling ready to challenge myself, especially with the marathon ahead later this year.
Another exciting addition to the women’s race is Kenyan athlete Mercy Jebet Kibor. Fresh off her victory at the Totalsports Two Oceans Half Marathon, Kibor will make her debut in the Absa RUN YOUR CITY SERIES. Despite being new to the 10km distance, Kibor is aiming for the win.
I want to win. That’s my goal.
Michael Meyer, race organiser, expressed his excitement for the event
With Adriaan Wildschutt targeting the SA 10km record, Kipngetich’s return, and Mercy Kibor’s debut, this is shaping up to be a thrilling start to the 2025 series. We can’t wait to see how the athletes perform.
The Absa RUN YOUR CITY Gqeberha 10K will not only feature intense competition but also offer a chance for athletes to chase fast times on the scenic coastal route. The race is the first of five in the 2025 series, with future events scheduled in Cape Town, Durban, Tshwane, and Johannesburg. With an impressive R1.61 million prize pool up for grabs, competitors will be racing for both victory and a share of the prize money.
In addition to the elite competition, the race supports the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) through charity donations, further adding to the event’s community impact. With a star-studded field featuring local and international talent, the 2025 Absa RUN YOUR CITY Gqeberha 10K promises to be an exhilarating start to the series, with Adriaan Wildschutt’s record-breaking ambitions take center stage.
