Adriaan Wildschutt

My guest for today’s episode is Adriaan Wildschutt — a NAZ Elite athlete, South African national record holder in the half marathon, and as of Sunday, a marathoner. He makes his debut at the Chicago Marathon four days from now, which means he is currently listed last on the start list. He has no marathon personal best. He is completely fine with that.

Adriaan grew up in South Africa, playing rugby, cricket, and soccer before discovering running in tenth grade. He came to the US on a scholarship to Coastal Carolina — recruited by Zola Budd — and later transferred to Florida State to compete in the ACC. He spent his post-collegiate career on the track, made the Paris Olympics in 2024, and then had to make a decision: where does a runner who keeps getting dropped in the final 150 meters of a 1500 actually belong? Everyone around him had been saying marathon for years. He decided they were probably right, and with the LA Olympics two years out, he didn’t have time to ease into it.

His transition has moved quickly. A 59:13 half marathon debut in Valencia — a South African national record. A win at the NYC Half in March. A pacing assignment at the Cape Town Marathon where he was supposed to step off at 35K, instead dropped the field by 30 seconds before the wheels came off at 33K, and came away with exactly the experience he needed: proof of the engine, clarity on the work still required.

He goes into Chicago planning to run with the American record group at 2:04 pace. The South African marathon record is 2:05:36. He’s not ruling out a podium.

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Today on the podcast is Adrian Wildschutt! 

Adrian, hailing from Ceres, South Africa, is a standout long-distance runner with a remarkable list of accomplishments. After joining HOKA NAZ Elite in 2022, he swiftly made his mark on the global stage, competing in prestigious events such as the World Athletics Championships and the Commonwealth Games, achieving a notable fifth place. Adrian's journey started at Coastal Carolina University, under the guidance of fellow South African and former world record holder Zola (Budd) Pieterse, before he transferred to Florida State University during the COVID-19 pandemic, where he not only excelled in athletics but also completed his Masters degree. Setting numerous South African national records in events ranging from the 3k to the 10k, Adrian has proven his prowess as a long-distance runner. His collegiate career was equally impressive, securing victories at the Sun Belt Conference Championship and three ACC titles. Adrian's consistent success, from the NCAA Championships to representing South Africa in international competitions, underscores his status as an exceptional athlete poised for further achievements in the world of track and field.

Adrian most recently ran 12:56 in the 5k, a new NR, which was a win over an incredibly deep field. 

In today's conversation, Adrian and I go through his story, from growing up in South Africa to his most recent performance of 12:56 in the 5k. We dive into his journey and future ambitions. Don't miss this conversation! 

Tap into the Adrian Wildschutt Special. 

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