Adriaan Wildschutt targets South African national 10km record

The 26-year-old, who is based in the United States, already holds four South African track records, including the 3 000m (7:32.99), 5 000m (12:56.67), 5 000m Indoors (12:56.76), and 10,000m (26:50.64). 

Having finished 10th in the 10 000m at the Paris Olympics last year, Wildschutt confirmed to SABC Sport his intention to tackle the road events, beginning with the Absa Run Your City 10km race in Gqeberha on 13 April.

"I'm very excited to announce my participation in Gqeberha this year, as part of the Absa series road running races, I'm very excited to compete there and put up a great performance," said Wildschutt.

"I am very much looking forward to the race, as I know it is a fast course and I can remember that 10km South African record has been set there a couple years ago.

"So I'm looking forward to seeing my potential in the race, and try and put my best foot forward."

The national 5 000m champion is eager to compete in Gqeberha, marking his first race in the Friendly City, and says he is looking forward to embracing the city's vibrant culture and cuisine while there.

"I'm also so excited to experience PE, or Gqeberha, the city – I've never been there, so I'm very excited to experience stuff likes restaurants, food, the culture, and all of that," he added.

READ: Glenrose Xaba optimistic about the upcoming season