From Ceres to the Stars: The Wildschutt Brothers Shine on one of South Africa’s Biggest Running Stages
Adriaan Wildschutt claims victory at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K Photo: Anthony Grote
In a powerful celebration of talent, perseverance, and dreams fulfilled, Adriaan Wildschutt etched his name into South Africa’s athletics history books on Sunday morning, smashing the national 10km road running record in spectacular style at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY SERIES in Gqeberha.
But this wasn’t just a personal victory — it was a family triumph, a moment of pride for a small town called Ceres, and a fitting tribute to one of South Africa’s greatest running icons, Zola Budd-Pieterse.
Adriaan, 26, who now trains and competes in the United States as part of the HOKA Elite team, crossed the finish line in a blistering time of 27 minutes and 28 seconds, eclipsing the previous record of 27:35 set by Precious Mashele at the same event two years year ago.
“It feels good to break the record,” said an elated Adriaan shortly after his run.
“It would have been such a pity to come all the way from the US and miss it by a few seconds.”
Despite facing some tough conditions — a windy morning and a slow first half — Adriaan showed grit and determination to stay on pace and surge to victory.
“I wanted to run 13:30 or 13:35 in the first half and we were way off. I knew it was going to be hard since the wind was there. Overall, I’m happy I managed to pull it off.”
And for his efforts? A national record, a place in South African running history — and, of course, a well-deserved strawberry pie, his favourite post-race treat.
Adriaan Wildschutt receives his favourite treat – a strawberry pie from Michael Meyer, Founder of the Absa RUN YOUR CITY SERIES . Photo: Adnaan Mohamed
This was only the second road race of his career, yet Adriaan’s triumph didn’t just end with the record — it came with R200 000 in prize money for his historic performance. Behind him, Vincent Kipkorir (27:49) and Kabelo Maluadzi (27:59) rounded out a competitive podium.
But perhaps what made this day even more special was who got to witness it.
Adriaan celebrates his achievement with supporters from Ceres. Photo: Anthony Grote
For the first time in her life, 56-year-old Ester Wildschutt, Adriaan’s mother, boarded a plane — flown in by her sons alongside other family members and a few of their high school teachers — to watch her boys race.
“I am extremely proud of my two sons,” said Ester, beaming with joy. “They flew me here today to see them in action. It was also the first time in my life I was on an aeroplane.”
Adriaan and Nadeel Wildschutt with their proud mom, Ester. Photo: Adnaan Mohamed
Indeed, it was a day of double pride for the Wildschutt family. Adriaan’s older brother, Nadeel Wildschutt, 27, also delivered an inspiring performance, finishing 7th with a strong time of 28:28, showing that this is a sibling story of success, shaped by shared dreams and mutual support.
Their journey from the quiet town of Ceres in the Western Cape to the bright lights of international competition didn’t happen by accident. It was sparked and nurtured by another South African legend — Zola Budd-Pieterse.
Zola Budd-Pieterse
Budd-Pieterse, who famously represented South Africa and later Great Britain in the 1980s, played a crucial role in introducing the Wildschutt brothers to the US collegiate system, helping them take their first steps abroad in 2017 (Nadeel) and 2018 (Adriaan).
“Adriaan is an example of courage, hard work, and determination,” Budd-Pieterse said.
“He took advantage of the opportunities presented to him, and with the right support, he has become a role model—not just in running, but in academics and life. Running is a stepping stone for him, not the end goal.”
Michael Meyer, Managing Director of Stillwater Sports and Series Founder, who made everything possible was over the moon with Adriaan’s performance.
Michael Meyer and Adriaan Wildschutt Photo: Adnaan Mohamed
“Congratulations to Adriaan Wildschutt on breaking the South African 10km record,”said Meyer.
“This is a truly remarkable achievement – not only for Adriaan personally, but also for South African athletics and for our event as a whole. We are honoured to have witnessed such a historic moment. A heartfelt thank you to the 4000 runners who joined us – a record sold-out field – and to our incredible sponsors and partners for making this unforgettable day possible.”
Adriaan, who recently completed his MBA, now holds an incredible six South African records, including the 3000m (7:32.99), 5000m (12:55.02), and 10,000m (26:50.54) on the track — the latter set at the Olympic Games in Paris last year, where he placed tenth in an unforgettable final.
He showed his class by being one of 13 world class athletes who smashed the legendary Kenenisa Bekele’s longstanding 10 000m Olympic record 27:05.10 set in Athens in 2004.
Adriaan Wildschutt and Vincent Kipkorir break away from the lead men’s group. Photo: Anthony Grote
Yet despite all his success, Adriaan says Sunday’s 10km road record was among the toughest to earn.
“I think this one is pretty hard considering I ran sub-27 minutes two weeks ago and it takes long to recover. Plus, there is the traveling in between and training in Potchefstroom,” he said.
Still, the grit of Ceres runs deep in his veins. And with every step, Adriaan is proving that no dream is too big, no town too small, and no goal too far — not when you have talent, family, and a fierce belief in what’s possible.
Adriaan Wildschutt thanks all his supporters from Ceres. Photo: Anthony Grote
From flying mothers and mentors, to strawberry pies and shattered records, this was more than just a race. It was a celebration of the human spirit — and the extraordinary power of chasing your dreams.
