By Adnaan Mohamed
Adriaan Wildschutt has done it again. The South African road running sensation added another national record to his growing collection on Sunday, turning heads in Spain with a breathtaking run at the Valencia Half Marathon.
In his first-ever outing over 21 kilometres, the 27-year-old from Ceres clocked 59 minutes and 13 seconds, slicing 23 seconds off Stephen Mokoka’s previous South African record of 59:36, set in 2020.
Wildschutt’s performance placed him fifth overall in a fiercely competitive race won by Ethiopian star Yomif Kejelcha in 58:02.
His record run comes just weeks after Maxime Chaumeton (26:55) broke Wildschutt’s SA 10km record (27:28) set earlier this year at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Gqeberha 10K, marking a golden period for South African distance running.
The Olympic finalist, who represented South Africa in the Paris 2024 Games in the 10 000m, said he thrives on setting ambitious goals and putting them in plain sight.
“So many people have been asking me why I put my goals out there for everyone to see and potentially criticize,” Wildschutt explained in a post on social media.
“My response is simple … I like challenging myself, and I’m not scared to fail. I feel like I thrive under pressure, even if it’s pressure I put on myself. In the end, I’m doing this for myself and no one else.”
Wildschutt represents Western Province Athletics (WPA) when he competes in South Africa. He is however based in the USA.
After completing his collegiate career and earning his MBA from Florida State, Wildschutt moved to Arizona and joined the HOKA NAZ Elite professional running squad.
Running in the HOKA Northern Arizona Elite colours, Wildschutt battled gusty winds over the final stretch but refused to ease up.
“It was quite windy the last 8k, and I know I can go even faster,” he said.
“For now, I’m very grateful to God and everyone who’s always supporting me.”
The Valencia performance marks Wildschutt’s fourth South African record, cementing his reputation as one of the country’s most versatile and consistent distance runners. He already owns national bests over 3 000m (7:32.99), 5 000m (12:55.02), and 10 000m (26:50.64). These achievements speak to years of relentless training and discipline.
WPA President Farouk Meyer praised the athlete’s record-breaking form, noting that his path to road-running success was forged on the track.
“Adriaan once again proved that if elite athletes want to perform on the road, they need to build their speed on the track,” said Meyer.
“He’s a perfect example of this philosophy. WPA is extremely proud of him.”
Wildschutt’s next stop is Tallahassee, Florida, where he will lead the South African senior men’s team at the World Athletics Cross Country Championships on 10 January 2026.
From Ceres to the world stage, Wildschutt continues to show that South African distance running is alive and kicking. And, in his case, sprinting into fresh territory with every stride.