RAS AL KHAIMAH HALF MARATHON SET FOR 18TH EDITION ON SATURDAY: Thousands expected for annual four-race running event

RAS AL KHAIMAH HALF MARATHON SET FOR 18TH EDITION ON SATURDAYThousands expected for annual four-race running event

Ras Al Khaimah, UAE, January 30: Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, UAE Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, the Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon will return for its 18th edition on Saturday (February 1), with four races starting and finishing on Al Marjan Island.The Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) hosts the Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon, a long-standing sporting and social fixture attracting community runners and international elites.

Iyad Rasbey, Vice President of Destination Tourism Development at Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, said, “Ras Al Khaimah continues to excel as a premier destination for nature, adventure, and sporting events. With the highest number of participants expected this year, the 18th edition of the RAK Half Marathon highlights our emirate’s growth and strong community focus.

“Sports tourism, a cornerstone of our growth strategy, not only stimulates local businesses but also enhances the liveability of our community by fostering healthier, happier lifestyles. We look forward to welcoming professional athletes, families, and running enthusiasts alike, and we wish everyone participating the best of luck!”The event features the title 21.1km half-marathon race and runs at 2km, 5km, and 10km for athletes of all ages and abilities.This year, Kenyan Isaia Lasoi – who finished third in the 2024 Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon – will return confident of finishing higher on the podium after setting his new personal best in the 2024 Copenhagen Half Marathon (58:10), a time which makes him the fastest man in the RAK Half field for 2025. It’s also 40 seconds quicker than his third-place finish 12 months ago.

He will be joined on the start line by the likes of Ethiopians Adamlak Belihu (58:54) – a two-time winner of the New Delhi Half Marathon – and Gemechu Dida (58:59), who finished fourth in RAK in 2023, as well as Kenyan Commonwealth Games 5,000m silver medallist Nicholas Kipkorir (59:02).In the women’s field, two athletes are tied on half marathon personal bests of 64:14. Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon champion in 2022, Girmawit Gebrzihair, established her personal best when setting the RAK course record three years ago, while her fellow Ethiopian Ejgayehu Taye recorded the same time when finishing fourth on her half marathon debut in Valencia last year.

A World Championship bronze medallist indoors and out and a top eight finisher at the Olympic Games, Taye rarely races on the road but comes to Ras Al Khaimah in a buoyant mood and is focused on a record-breaking run in the Gulf on Saturday. In her only performance at the half marathon in Valencia, she finished ahead of last year’s Ras Al Khaimah winner Tsigie Gebrselama.

Also confirmed in the field is talented Kenyan Judy Kemboi (65:43), a relative newcomer to international road racing who won three straight half marathons in 2024 (Gent, Geneva, and Riga) before setting her personal best finishing runner-up at the Copenhagen Half Marathon, also in 2024.

Race organizers are putting the final building blocks in place to turn the roads into a running circuit. The start and finish lines will be created outside Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) office on Al Marjan Island.

The Runner’s Village will provide an estimated 10,000 runners with a children’s play zone, radio broadcasts, food and beverages, a DJ, and live music to entertain athletes and spectators throughout the morning. In addition, a 500-seat grandstand has been constructed to allow friends and family to sit and support the runners as they cross the finish line and collect their medals.

For those who have yet to sign up to run, registration for the annual Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon remains open at rakhalfmarathon.com, although the last day to collect those essential race packs and run numbers is Friday (January 31).

Adidas, Channel 4 Radio Network, ITP Media Group, and Bisleri Water also sponsor the 2025 Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon.ENDS