What a debut! Adriaan Wildschutt breaks SA half marathon record at first attempt
South Africa’s Adriaan Wildschutt in action FILE. Adriaan Wildschutt sets a new South African half marathon record with a time of 59:13 at the Valencia Half Marathon, showcasing his fearless approach to goal-setting and thriving under pressure. Photo: Andy Lyons/AFP
Image: Andy Lyons/AFP
Distance runner Adriaan Wildschutt added yet another achievement to his long list of accolades with a new South African record in the 21.1km half-marathon distance on Sunday.
The 27-year-old Wildschutt came fifth at the Valencia Half Marathon in a staggering time of 59 minutes and 13 seconds (59:13), bettering the previous mark of 59:36 set by Stephen Mokoka back in 2020.
Wildschutt was also the 10km SA record holder with his time of 27:28 until recently, when the younger Maxime Chaumeton broke the 27-minute barrier with his time of 26:55 at the Absa Run Your City Gqeberha a few weeks ago.
It’s not commonplace for professional athletes to put their goals on a public platform, but Wildschutt is breaking the mould here as he explained on Instagram:
Valencia: The Ideal Half-Marathon Debut for Fast Times
“Why am I putting my goals out there for everyone to see and potentially criticise?”
“My response is simple, I like challenging myself, and I am not scared to fail. I feel like I thrive under pressure, even if it’s pressure I put on myself. I put my goals out there, whether I achieve it or not. In the end, I am doing this for myself and no one else really!!”
Wildschutt was also wise in choosing the race in Valencia to make his half-marathon debut, as it is known for producing fast times on the flat and fast course if the weather conditions are favourable.
It’s also the same course where Gerda Steyn set her SA record in the marathon back in 2023, until that mark was broken last year by Glenrose Xaba.