In a performance that’s redefining human potential, South African ultra-runner Sibusiso Kubheka has shattered the previously untouchable 100km world record—becoming the first person in history to run the distance in under six hours.
Clocking in at 5:59:20, Kubheka didn’t just break the record—he obliterated it by over six minutes.
But this wasn’t just a race—it was a revolution.
Hosted on the high-speed Nardò Ring in Southern Italy, the event titled “Chasing 100” brought together five of the world’s elite endurance athletes, each equipped with custom-engineered gear from adidas, tailored for one goal: speed. And for Kubheka, that vision became history.
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A Record That Changes the Sport
Kubheka’s jaw-dropping time slashed 6 minutes and 15 seconds off the previous record of 6:05:35, set by Lithuanian ultra-legend Aleksandr Sorokin.
“Breaking this record and becoming the first person to run 100km in under 6 hours was not easy— but thanks to adidas’ partnership, belief, and bespoke technologies, we made it happen,” Kubheka said after crossing the finish line.
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“When we combine the best athletes, the right preparation, and sports innovation, anything is possible.”
His fellow competitors—Charlie Lawrence (USA) and Aleksandr Sorokin (Lithuania)—also beat the previous world-best, finishing in 6:03:47 and 6:04:10 respectively. But it was Kubheka who entered uncharted territory, carving his name into the annals of running history.
Chasing 100: Innovation Meets Endurance
The event was more than a race—it was a full-scale scientific and athletic experiment, asking a bold question: What happens when you combine the world’s fastest ultra-runners with the most advanced gear ever created?
According to Alasdhair Willis, Chief Creative Officer at adidas, it was a chance to redefine what’s possible.
“Kubheka’s history-defining performance—achieving something no one has ever come close to—is an immense achievement that we are incredibly proud of. This is a true testament to the power of combining adidas innovation with elite athletic prowess.”
The Tech Behind the Speed
Kubheka and the other competitors were kitted out in gear developed specifically for this race—products that pushed the boundaries of speed, cooling, and energy return.
Adizero Evo Prime X
Each runner wore a custom-built pair of Adizero Evo Prime X, precision-calibrated to their biomechanics. With ultra-responsive midsoles and stack heights tuned to the forces generated by individual athletes, these shoes were more than equipment—they were tools of transformation.
If you want something simple that actually works, this is one of the most effective tools I’ve used to build strength, conditioning, and endurance without needing a full gym setup.
- Full-body training with one weight using swings, squats, and presses
- Solid cast iron build that feels stable and lasts for years
- Comfortable grip that makes high-rep workouts easier to handle
Every element, from the foam to the fit, was dialed in to maximize running economy and minimize energy loss over the grueling 100km distance.
Ultracharge Midsole Technology
An innovation years in the making, adidas debuted Ultracharge, a pressurization process that infused air into the shoes’ midsole foam five days before the race. The result? Enhanced energy return with every stride.
This technology transformed the shoes into high-performance engines—providing the bounce and efficiency needed to sustain sub-6-hour pace for over 62 miles.
CLIMACOOL Cooling System
Maintaining core temperature was another key focus.
Before the race, runners used a combination of cooling vests and CLIMACOOL fan jackets, inspired by AMG Formula 1 technology. During the race, they swapped out cooling neck devices, ergonomically designed to target arteries and veins for rapid heat dissipation.
The aim? Minimize thermal load. Maximize endurance.
If you want something simple that actually works, this is one of the most effective tools I’ve used to build strength, conditioning, and endurance without needing a full gym setup.
- Full-body training with one weight using swings, squats, and presses
- Solid cast iron build that feels stable and lasts for years
- Comfortable grip that makes high-rep workouts easier to handle
Next-Gen Apparel: Clima 3D & TechFit
Each athlete wore a Clima 3D singlet, featuring CLIMACOOL 3D embossed material body-mapped to sweat-heavy zones. This accelerated evaporation and airflow where it was needed most.
Paired with TechFit short tights, strategically reinforced to stabilize the hips and enhance running economy, the apparel system was built not just for comfort—but for competitive edge.
Both innovations are expected to hit the consumer market in 2026.
More Than a Race: A Movement
“Chasing 100” is the inaugural chapter of “Chasing”, a new adidas initiative pushing the boundaries of human performance through athlete-led challenges and cutting-edge technology.
By combining the art of elite athleticism with the science of innovation, adidas isn’t just making faster shoes—they’re reimagining what humans can achieve.
The fact that three runners broke the world record in a single race is a sign of what’s to come.
If you want something simple that actually works, this is one of the most effective tools I’ve used to build strength, conditioning, and endurance without needing a full gym setup.
- Full-body training with one weight using swings, squats, and presses
- Solid cast iron build that feels stable and lasts for years
- Comfortable grip that makes high-rep workouts easier to handle
Final Results
- Sibusiso Kubheka (South Africa): 5:59:20
- Charlie Lawrence (USA): 6:03:47
- Aleksandr Sorokin (Lithuania): 6:04:10
Each of these performances would have been a world record in any other era. But on this day, the bar was raised higher than ever before.
The Future of Ultramarathoning Starts Now
What does this mean for endurance sports?
Kubheka’s milestone is a watershed moment. It proves that with the right combination of athlete and innovation, the barriers that once seemed unbreakable are now within reach.
Expect ripple effects across training methods, gear design, and race strategies worldwide.
But above all, expect more athletes to start chasing the impossible—because after this performance, the definition of possible has changed.
As adidas continues to blur the line between athlete and innovation lab, one thing is clear: the future of running just got a whole lot faster.
If you want something simple that actually works, this is one of the most effective tools I’ve used to build strength, conditioning, and endurance without needing a full gym setup.
- Full-body training with one weight using swings, squats, and presses
- Solid cast iron build that feels stable and lasts for years
- Comfortable grip that makes high-rep workouts easier to handle
