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.

“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.

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.” 

“What we are witnessing at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K is truly special,” says Michael Meyer, Managing Director of Stillwater Sports and Series Founder. “When athletes of Adriaan’s calibre return with the specific goal of making history, it speaks volumes about the stature of this event and the fast, record-breaking course we have in Gqeberha. Importantly, it’s not just about one athlete – the depth of the men’s and women’s fields ensures genuine world-class competition, which is exactly what you need to run extraordinary times. We are incredibly proud to provide a platform on African soil where global stars can chase barriers, national records and historic milestones.”

“In the lead-up to race day, we have witnessed an incredible sense of excitement and unity building among runners, supporters, and partners alike. The preparation, passion, and stories already emerging remind us why events like these matter, they create spaces for connection, belonging, and shared achievement. At Absa, we are proud to stand alongside a community that continues to show up with such energy and purpose,” says Shane Agnew, Absa Group Regional Manager Eastern Cape Region.

Live Broadcast: Don’t miss the action on the home of sport! Join us on SABC Sport and catch the excitement of the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series. The Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K brings energy, speed, and world-class competition to the streets. Tune in from 06:30 – 09:30 live on sabcsport.com as elite athletes push their limits in a celebration of movement, community, and sporting excellence.

EVENT DATES: 2026 Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series

2026 PRIZE PURSE AND SA ATHLETE INCENTIVES: The Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series boasts an impressive, combined prize purse of R1 686 000.00, complemented by innovative SA athlete incentives designed to ignite standout performances and unforgettable moments in 2026. Read more here: https://runyourcityseries.com/absa-run-your-city-series-unveils-a-r1-68-million-combined-prize-purse-and-unprecedented-sa-athlete-incentives/

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About Absa

Absa Group is listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange and is one of Africa’s largest diversified financial services groups. 

Absa Group offers an integrated set of products and services across personal and business banking, corporate and investment banking, wealth and investment management and insurance. Absa operates in fourteen countries. The Group owns majority stakes in banks in Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, South Africa, Tanzania (Absa Bank Tanzania and National Bank of Commerce), Uganda and Zambia and has insurance operations in Botswana, Kenya, Mozambique, South Africa, and Zambia. Absa also has representative offices in Namibia and Nigeria, and securities entities in the United Kingdom and the United States. For further information about Absa Group Limited, please visit www.absa.africa

About the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series

A proudly South African mass participation road running series, the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series has been revolutionizing the sport since 2015.  A road running celebration like no other, the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series comprises five unique events namely the Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K (launched in 2023), Absa RUN YOUR CITY CAPE TOWN 10K (launched in 2015), the Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K (launched in 2017), Absa RUN YOUR CITY TSHWANE 10K (launched in 2023) and the Absa RUN YOUR CITY JOBURG 10K (launched in 2016). A diverse road running series, the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series integrates businesses, families, investment in community, world class achievement and fun for all participants. For further information please visit https://runyourcityseries.com/