Distance runner Adriaan Wildschutt broke his third South African record of the season when he lowered the national 3 000m mark at a World Athletics Continental Tour meeting in Lucerne, Switzerland on Thursday night. 

Wildschutt took fourth position in 7:39.25, crossing the line in less than three seconds behind South Sudanese athlete Dominic Lobalu, who won the race in 7:37.98. 

The 25 year-old SA star, who had already set national 5 000m (13:02.46) and 10 000m (27:23.10) records this year, shattered his personal best over the 3 000m distance. 

In the process he became the first South African to run under 7:40 outdoors, slicing nearly two seconds off the SA mark of 7:40.99 set by Jerry Motsau in Italy in June 2021. 

He also became the fastest ever South African in the 3 000m event, running quicker than Elroy Gelant's national indoor record of 7:39.55.

"Adriaan is on the roll and clearly enjoying himself. It's seems he has his ducks in a row and is executing his season's plan a step-at-a-time. We encourage him to remain fixed on the bigger picture of the season which is the World Champs in Budapest. 

"We congratulate him, his coach and the rest of his support team for their success. Despite the successes, he must not lose sight of the performances of the east Africans who continue to dominate middle distance with outstanding times," said James Moloi, the President of Athletics South Africa.

* All SA records are subject to standard ratification processes 

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About Athletics South Africa:
Athletics South Africa (ASA) is the national governing body for the sport of athletics (including Track and Field, Cross Country, Road Running and Race Walking) in South Africa, is a member of World Athletics  and the Confederation of African Athletics.  The association was formed in 1995 and is based in Johannesburg. 

ENDS