The Absa RUN YOUR CITY SERIES is proud to welcome global running sensation Adriaan Wildschutt to compete on South African soil at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K on Sunday, 13 April 2025. As one of the world’s top athletes, his participation is a significant boost for South African road running, local sports, and the prestige of the Absa RUN YOUR CITY SERIES.
Following a breakthrough year in 2024, Wildschutt, who holds four national track records, has announced his intention to pursue the SA 10km record at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K.
His confidence in targeting the 27:35 SA record set by Precious Mashele at the inaugural Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K in 2023 is well-founded. The American-based top runner produced no less than 6 South African records last season including 3000m (7:32.99), 5000m (12:56.67), 5000m indoors (12:56.76) as well as a new national 10 000m mark of 26:50.64 which accompanied a memorable 10th place finish in the Olympic final at the Stade de France last August.
“I’m looking forward to participating at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K,” confirms Wildschutt. “I chose the race because I hear that it’s a fast course and I remember the South African record being set there. I love competing, and sometimes that leads to records. I appreciate and respect Precious’ record and would never undermine the quality it took to set that record. However, I am aiming to break the South African record in Gqeberha and hopefully make it a lasting one.”
As one of the most sought-after track and road running stars in the United States, where he has been based for the past seven years, and a prominent contender on the lucrative European circuit, his decision to kick off his road running season on home soil speaks volumes.
“To be honest, the race in Gqeberha lines up best with my schedule. Training has been going very well in the last 5 weeks. We were able to continue to train at a high level. However, the next 6 weeks are going to be critical leading up to some track races and the 10km in Gqeberha. I am very excited about that, and I am hopeful that everything will go as planned and I can perform at the best level I can.”
Performing at the highest level against world class competitors on African soil is not the only reason the Ceres-born SA 5000m champion chose Nelson Mandela Bay over other destinations. Having run a number of 10km road races in the Western Cape as a junior before moving to the US to study, 26-year-old Wildschutt reveals that through his brother Nadeel who ran 28:07 at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K last year, he has been following the Absa RUN YOUR CITY SERIES from across the Atlantic and was more than ready to grab the opportunity to take part when it came.
Wildschutt confirms that he spoke with his brother about the series, who had nothing but praise for the entire organisation. “I was stoked to hear about that, which is why I wanted to compete in it in an attempt to do well,” he adds. “I also want to try something different and go to a different city I have never been to before. Racing in South Africa is unique. The running culture is different. I love the food afterwards and the vibe that follows the race. I feel a whole lot of people know me better and I can share a great experience with all of them.”
“We are excited to welcome Adriaan Wildschutt to the Absa RUN YOUR CITY SERIES in 2025,” says Michael Meyer, Managing Director of Stillwater Sports and Founder of the Absa RUN YOUR CITY SERIES. “His exceptional performance at the Olympics in France last August had South Africans on the edge of their seats—a proud moment for the nation. Setting a new national 10,000m record of 26:50.64 and finishing 10th on the world stage showcased his incredible talent. Adriaan brings excitement and quality racing to the series. We firmly believe that not only is a new SA 10km record within reach, but there’s a strong possibility it could be shattered convincingly. We’re equally excited to see how the rest of the field responds to his record-breaking ambitions on race day. Spectators can expect top-tier competition and numerous standout performances. We look forward to witnessing the action unfold in Gqeberha as Adriaan pushes the boundaries of road running on home soil.”
EVENT DATES: 2025 Absa RUN YOUR CITY SERIES
1. Sunday 13 April 2025 / Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K
Start Time: 07:00
Start & Finish Venue: Beach Road, Humewood, Gqeberha
Entry Fee:
• Licensed Runner: R255.00
• Temporary License: R20.00
Entry Includes:
• Absa RUN YOUR CITY SERIES Event Performance T-shirt
• Absa Entrant Gifts
• Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K Finisher’s Medal
• Race Number with Timing Chip
• Impressive Sponsor Activations
• Lively Route Entertainment Points
• 2 x Refreshment Stations on Route
• Tog Bag Drop and Collect Service
• Post Event Entertainment
Entries Open: Wednesday 18 December 2024
Entries Close: Wednesday 02 April 2025 or once capacity has been reached.
2. Sunday 11 May 2025 / Absa RUN YOUR CITY CAPE TOWN 10K
3. Sunday 13 July 2025 / Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K
4. Sunday 24 August 2025 / Absa RUN YOUR CITY TSHWANE 10K
5. Wednesday 24 September 2025 / Absa RUN YOUR CITY JOBURG 10K
CHARITY SUPPORT: The Absa RUN YOUR CITY SERIES proudly supports the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) as the official charity of the entire series of events. A non-profit leader in the fight against cancer since 1931, CANSA enables research, educates the public and advocates for and supports all people affected by cancer, while leading SA towards a cancer-free society. When entering an Absa RUN YOUR CITY SERIES event online, runners can show their support by donating towards CANSA.
Facebook: @Gqeberha10k / @CapeTown10k / @Durban10k / @Tshwane10k / @Joburg10k
Instagram: @Gqeberha10k / @CapeTown10k / @Durban10k / @Tshwane10k / @Joburg10k
Hashtag: #RunYourCity #AbsaRunYourCity
WhatsApp Line: 072 042 7613
Websites: www.runyourcityseries.com
CLICK HERE to submit your press release to MyPR.co.za.
Author: Jacky McClean from NEWSPORT MEDIA on behalf of Absa RUN YOUR CITY SERIES.
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