In a moment that electrified both the African athletics scene and the global running community, South African long-distance runner Sibusiso Kubheka has rewritten what is possible in ultra-distance racing. At the high-profile Chasing 100 event in Southern Italy, Kubheka’s record-smashing run saw him become the first human to break the six-hour barrier for 100 kilometres—a feat many thought impossible. Finishing the challenge with a jaw-dropping time of 5:59:20, he pushed past the previous world best of 6:05:35 by over six minutes, etching his name into the annals of sports history and cementing his place as an African athletic icon.
The Chasing 100 race, held under the bright lights of Italy’s renowned Nardò Ring, brought together elite endurance athletes from around the world, all striving for new milestones. Backed by adidas, the competition provided a platform where athletic excellence met innovation, showcasing the next era of high-performance sportswear tailored to maximize human potential.
The adidas Advantage
A crucial part of Kubheka’s and his fellow athletes’ preparation was access to a suite of cutting-edge adidas gear, meticulously developed for peak performance. Alongside four other competitors, Kubheka tested advanced sportswear and footwear specifically engineered to enhance endurance and speed. The headline-grabbing innovation of the event was the Adizero Evo Prime X—a shoe designed to fit each runner’s unique biomechanics, featuring a responsive midsole, specialized cushioning, and structural modifications customized for each athlete.
While many long-distance runners dream of shaving seconds off their times, adidas aimed for a technological leap. The new Ultracharge technology—where high-pressure air bubbles are infused into the midsole foam—delivered enhanced energy return with every stride. For context, Nigerian and West African runners have long praised adaptive footwear technology for helping manage the rigours of harsh weather and challenging terrain. Now, with innovations like the Ultracharge, competitive runners may be entering a new era of performance footwear.
How You Can Train for—and Run—Your Fastest 5K
For the athletes, managing body temperature was also critical in this Mediterranean showdown. The event debuted adidas’ CLIMACOOL Pre-Cooling and Per-Cooling System, an integrated suite that included cooling vests, fan-powered jackets, and custom-designed neck coolers—all engineered to lower core temperature and protect heart rate during sustained exertion. In African climates where high heat derails training or races, such technology could be a game-changer for local marathoners and ultrarunners.
The apparel lineup wasn’t left behind. For the first time, adidas unveiled its Clima 3D singlet featuring zoned ventilation mapped to the runner’s body, and TechFit short tights reinforced with stabilising bands. Both aimed to support sustained power and reduce fatigue over extreme distances. While these elite pieces are slated for public release in 2026, the prospect has Nigerian and West African road racers eager for wider availability. As Lagos-based marathon fan Chinedu Okolo noted, “We’ve seen how new gear transforms races abroad—it’s time African athletes get the same edge here, both on tracks and road races.”
Record-Breaking Results
While Kubheka took top honours, the advanced gear and perfect race-day conditions helped more than one athlete shatter expectations. American Charlie Lawrence and Lithuania’s Aleksandr Sorokin each finished under the old world record time, demonstrating that the latest innovations were not a fluke but a legitimate upgrade to endurance running. For many African runners and fans who track ultramarathon developments, this breakthrough marks a compelling shift in what dedicated training and technological support can achieve on the world stage.
“I’m so proud of my performance today. Breaking this record and becoming the first person to run 100km in under six hours was not easy, but thanks to adidas’ partnership, belief and bespoke technologies, we made it happen. When we combine the best athletes, the right preparation and sports innovation, anything is possible.”
Final results:
- Sibusiso Kubheka, 5:59:20
- Charlie Lawrence, 6:03:47
- Aleksandr Sorokin, 6:04:10
Alasdhair Willis, the Chief Creative Officer for adidas, emphasized after the race that the company’s ambition stretches beyond shortening records. “Our vision is to redefine what athletes believe is possible, both through transformational innovation and by supporting local heroes who inspire communities worldwide,” Willis explained—pointing to Kubheka’s impact as more than just a personal achievement but a milestone for the whole continent.
“Kubheka’s history-defining performance is an immense achievement. It shows what is possible when world-class athletes are paired with breakthrough innovation in design, footwear and apparel.”
Local Impact: Inspiring a New Generation of African Runners
Kubheka’s record run has not just enhanced his stature internationally, but it has also stirred excitement across Nigeria, Ghana, and the wider West African athletics community. From viewing centres in Lagos and Accra to running clubs in Abuja and Takoradi, his achievement is being held up as proof that African runners continue to lead and innovate at the highest levels of global competition.
According to Abuja-based sports administrator Femi Daramola, “This victory serves as a motivator. It shows our young athletes that with the right training, support, and innovation, world records are within reach. We hope to see more regional investment in track and road running, especially with new gear technology now in view.”
Looking Ahead: What Does This Mean for Future Races?
The record-breaking Chasing 100 event is likely to spark a new wave of innovation in African long-distance racing. As brands continue to experiment with performance-enhancing gear, athletes across Nigeria and West Africa are watching closely to see how such technology can be integrated into local competitions and national teams. The possibilities touch not just professional elites but also the legions of recreational runners, fitness enthusiasts, and students who train every morning on the streets of Lagos, Kumasi, Port Harcourt, and beyond.
All eyes will now be on local athletics federations and private sponsors to remove barriers to access, making sure world-class innovations reach grassroots athletes. The conversation is growing around equity and opportunity, with regional experts noting that as technology becomes more democratized, African athletes should not only compete—but continue to dominate—on the world stage.
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