Gearing up for one of the most highly anticipated 42km debuts in the history of South African road running, Adriaan Wildschutt has confirmed he will compete at the Chicago Marathon in October.
Wildschutt has consistently proved himself over shorter distances during a spectacular career, and he currently holds the SA records in the 3 000m (7:32.99), 5 000m (12:55.02) and 10 000m (26:50.64) events on the track, as well as the 21km distance (59:13) on the road.
Though he has not yet participated in a full marathon, the 28-year-old athlete turned some heads by leading the Cape Town Marathon until the closing stages earlier this year after turning out as a pace setter.
“After years of racing everything from the 3 000m to the half-marathon, it’s finally time to take on [a marathon],” Wildschutt said in a social media post.
“I’m excited, grateful and ready for the challenge. The work is already underway and I can’t wait to see what this new chapter has in store.”
The event organisers have also confirmed that Wildschutt’s older brother Nadeel, who set a 42km personal best of 2:09:40 in Arizona last year, has been included in the elite field in Chicago.
The Chicago Marathon, one of eight races in the top-flight World Marathon Majors series, will be held on 11 October.
* Featured image by Anthony Grote/Absa Run Your City
