The 18th version of the Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon takes place this Saturday (February 1), with quick occasions anticipated as soon as once more within the United Arab Emirates.
Within the elite males’s discipline, Kenya’s Isaia Lasoi, who positioned third finally yr’s occasion, will likely be assured of ending larger on the rostrum, particularly after setting a brand new private better of 58:10 on the 2024 Copenhagen Half Marathon.
That makes him the quickest man on this yr’s RAK Half discipline and it’s additionally a time that’s 40 seconds faster than his third place end 12 months in the past.
He will likely be joined on the beginning line by Ethiopians Adamlak Belihu (58:54) – a two-time winner of the New Delhi Half Marathon – and Gemechu Dida (58:59), who completed fourth on the Rak Half in 2023.
Be careful for Kenya’s Nicholas Kipkorir (59:02) as effectively, given he’s a Commonwealth Video games 5000m silver medallist and positioned fourth over the gap on the Tokyo Olympics.
Isaia Lasoi and Girmawit Gebrzihair (Ras Al Khaimah)
Within the elite girls’s discipline, Ethiopians Girmawit Gebrzihair and Ejgayehu Taye – tied on half marathon bests of 64:14 – would be the main contenders.
Gebrzihair established her private finest when setting the RAK Half course file three years in the past, whereas Taye recorded the identical time when ending fourth on her half marathon debut in Valencia final season.
Taye, who’s a world 10,000m bronze medallist and secured the identical color medal over 5km on the 2023 World Street Working Championships, is concentrated on a record-breaking run within the Gulf on Saturday.
Kenya’s Judy Kemboi (65:43) is a relative newcomer to worldwide street racing, however she did win three consecutive half marathons final yr in Gent, Geneva and Riga respectively.
In addition to the elites, hundreds of persons are anticipated to participate within the 2km, 5km, and 10km and 21km races on Saturday.
All 4 distances begin and end on Al Marjan Island, with athletes of all ages and skills racing.
RAK Half (Getty)
The Runner’s Village will present an estimated 10,000 folks with a kids’s play zone, radio broadcasts, meals and beverage, a DJ and dwell music, to maintain athletes and spectators entertained all through the morning.
As well as, a 500-seat grandstand has been constructed, permitting family and friends to assist the runners as they cross the end line and gather their medals.
Iyad Rasbey, Vice President of Vacation spot Tourism Improvement at Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Improvement Authority, stated: “Ras Al Khaimah continues to excel as a premier vacation spot for nature, journey, and sporting occasions. With the best variety of contributors anticipated this yr, the 18th version of the RAK Half Marathon highlights the expansion and robust neighborhood focus of our emirate.
“Sport tourism, a cornerstone of our development technique, not solely stimulates native companies but in addition enhances the liveability of our neighborhood by fostering more healthy, happier life. We look ahead to welcoming skilled athletes, households, and working fans alike, and we want everybody collaborating the very best of luck!”
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